Kwena Maphaka is a South African left-arm fast bowler who plays for South Africa across formats and represents the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Standing 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall, the 19-year-old (as of 2025) is one of the brightest young talents in world cricket. His breakout moment came during the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he took 21 wickets and won Player of the Tournament. He later became the youngest South African to debut in international cricket at 18 years and 137 days.
Youngest South African men’s international debutant
2024
Most wickets (21) by a pacer in a single U19 WC
2024
Three 5-wicket hauls in one U19 WC
2025
Youngest South African Test debutant
2025
Best T20I figures: 4/20 vs Australia
Major Trophies & Awards
Year
Trophy / Award
Team / Tournament
Significance
2022
South Africa U19 Recognition
SA Under-19
Began earning recognition as a top junior fast bowler; early standout performances
2023
CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year
Cricket South Africa
Awarded for consistent excellence in the national U19 setup
2023–24
Domestic Recognition – Imperial Lions
South African Domestic Cricket
Acknowledged for strong performances at junior & emerging levels
2024
Player of the Tournament – ICC Under-19 World Cup
South Africa U19
Took 21 wickets; best bowler of the tournament
2024
Most Wickets in U19 World Cup (21)
ICC U19 World Cup
Highest wickets by a pacer in a single edition
2024
Three 5-wicket hauls in one U19 World Cup
ICC Under-19 World Cup
Only pacer with 3 five-fors in a single U19 event
2024
Youngest South African to debut in international cricket
South Africa
Debuted at 18 years 137 days
2024
SA20 Contract – Paarl Royals
SA20 League
Earned retention due to breakout U19 and domestic performances
2024
Youngest South African to play in IPL
Mumbai Indians
IPL debut at age 18
2025
Youngest South African Test Debutant
South Africa
Test debut at 18 years 270 days
2025
Continued U19 World Cup Milestone – 28 wickets (Across 2 Editions)
ICC U19 World Cups (2022 & 2024)
Joint-highest wicket tally across two editions
Additional Achievements
Achievement
Context
28 U19 World Cup wickets
Joint-highest across two editions
Dismissed Babar Azam in all formats
Unique debut record
Multi-sport athlete
Provincial-level hockey
11-second 100m sprint
Raw speed
Same school as Kagiso Rabada
St Stithians College
Interesting Facts
Kwena Maphaka started playing cricket at a very young age and quickly became one of South Africa’s most promising left-arm fast bowlers, earning national attention even before turning 17.
He became the youngest South African to debut in men’s international cricket at just 18 years and 137 days, an achievement that placed him among the most exciting talents in world cricket.
During the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup, he delivered one of the greatest bowling performances in tournament history—taking 21 wickets, the most by a pacer in a single edition, along with three five-wicket hauls.
Maphaka is a multi-sport athlete who excelled not only in cricket but also represented his province in hockey as a defender.
He is naturally gifted with speed—clocking 11 seconds in the 100-meter sprint, showing his rare blend of pace and athleticism.
Kwena attended St Stithians College, the same school as South African superstar Kagiso Rabada, and he grew up idolizing him.
In a rare achievement for any young bowler, he dismissed Babar Azam across all formats (T20I, ODI, and Test) during his debut matches, making headlines globally.
Despite being very young, he has already played in multiple top leagues including the IPL, SA20, and domestic first-class cricket, handling big-match pressure with maturity.
Maphaka’s bowling regularly touches 140–150 kph, and coaches believe he could become South Africa’s next elite left-arm fast bowler.
His calm personality, discipline, and focus on training have earned him praise from senior players, who see him as the future spearhead of South Africa’s bowling attack.
Kwena Maphaka, born in Johannesburg, is one of South Africa’s most exciting young pace bowlers. Rising from U19 cricket to international cricket and the IPL within just two years, he has shown exceptional skill, control, and raw pace. His ability to consistently bowl 140–150 kph, combined with swing and accuracy, makes him one of the brightest future stars in world cricket. At just 19, he has already made significant contributions for South Africa and in franchise leagues.
I’m Uday Paruthi, cricket lover and founder of Stumpscast.com. I enjoy telling the unique stories of cricketers through detailed biography articles, uncovering their journeys, challenges, and achievements. My aim is to help fans connect with players beyond the game, learning what makes each one special. From legends to rising stars, I share insights that bring cricket’s human side to life. Join me on Stumpscast to explore the sport’s most inspiring stories. Follow me on social media for my latest work.
