Kwena Maphaka Receives First Call-Up as Rabada and Miller Return for South Africa's ODIs Against Pakistan
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New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Seamer Kwena Maphaka has received his first call-up to the South African 50-over team, as Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, and Keshav Maharaj return for the forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan.
At just 18 years old, Maphaka has played four T20Is for South Africa and was named Player of the Tournament at the recent ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where he achieved an impressive 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
He will join a talented fast-bowling lineup that includes Rabada and Ottneil Baartman, along with all-rounders Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo. This marks Rabada's return to the ODI squad since the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia in Kolkata.
The team will be captained by Temba Bavuma, who is back after recovering from an injury sustained in an ODI against Ireland in October. The batting order is strengthened by the return of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who last participated in an ODI in December 2023 against India.
Additionally, left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is back in the ODI mix, having opted out of a central contract, and has been part of the squad for the ongoing T20Is against Pakistan.
The ODI matches against Pakistan will commence on December 17 at Boland Park in Paarl, followed by games at Newlands, Cape Town, on December 19, and Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 22. These matches will serve as valuable preparation for South Africa ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year.
"We have assembled our strongest available squad, with each player having the potential to be a match-winner. We are very eager to see how this team performs together. The bowling lineup includes one of the fastest bowlers in the game, KG, and this series presents a fantastic opportunity for young talents like Kwena to learn from the best," stated head coach Rob Walter.
South Africa's squad for the ODIs against Pakistan includes: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Rassie van der Dussen.
