Kwena Maphaka

Kwena Maphaka is a left-arm fast bowler who adds genuine pace and youthful energy to South Africa’s bowling attack for the ODI series against Australia. The 20-year-old has already gained international experience across formats and became South Africa’s youngest-ever ODI debutant when he played against Pakistan in December 2024. He took 4/72 on that debut and has since continued to develop as one of the Proteas’ promising pace options. Maphaka has been named in South Africa’s squad for the three-match home ODI series, with matches scheduled in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom from September 24 to 30.

Maphaka’s left-arm angle, pace and ability to extract bounce give him the tools to trouble batters at different stages of an innings. He has already shown that he can perform against Australia, taking nine wickets in a three-match T20I series in Australia in 2025, including career-best figures of 4/20 in the opening game. His role in the ODI attack could become particularly important with several experienced South African fast bowlers unavailable for the series. For fantasy cricket, Maphaka is an exciting wicket-taking option because his attacking style can produce breakthroughs, while his ability to bowl during the powerplay gives him an opportunity to make an impact early in the innings.