Kwena Maphaka

Kwena Tshegofatso Maphaka is a South African international cricketer born on April 8, 2006, in Johannesburg. He is a left-arm fast bowler known for his pace, swing, and ability to generate bounce. Maphaka rose to prominence as one of the most promising young talents in South African cricket, notably becoming the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in the 2024 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup with 21 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls— a tournament record. He made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2024, becoming the youngest South African to feature in the league, and was later signed by Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 IPL season.

Maphaka made his international debut for South Africa in T20 Internationals in August 2024 at the age of 18 years and 137 days, becoming the youngest South African male cricketer to play international cricket. He delivered impressive performances early in his career, including a career-best 4/20 in a T20I match against Australia in 2025, playing a key role in bowling out Australia for the first time in T20 cricket. He made his ODI debut in December 2024 and became the youngest South African to do so. Known for his fiery pace and composure at a young age, Maphaka is viewed as a fast-bowling prodigy with a bright future ahead in South African cricket.