Maphaka stands atop the wickets table with 18 at an average of 9.55, including three five-wicket hauls, a feat not achieved by any other player in the history of the tournament.
South Africa’s impressive seam attack, led by the tournament’s leading wicket taker Kwena Maphaka, goes head-to-head with a powerhouse Indian batting line-up in the first semi-final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Tuesday.
Maphaka stands atop the wickets table with 18 at an average of 9.55, including three five-wicket hauls, a feat not achieved by any other player in the history of the tournament.
The left-arm seamer will, though, come up against an Indian batting unit that has been a force throughout the tournament so far. India have not only won all five of their matches, but also dominated their opponents with three of their wins coming by a margin of over 200 runs.
Remarkably, five different players have notched up centuries to date at the tournament.
The Indian batters have already faced Maphaka in a tri-series leading up to the tournament where the Lions youngster struggled to penetrate the tourists’ batting line-up. But Maphaka believes he has grown in confidence during this World Cup and is ready for the challenge.
“I know I am right up there with some of the best bowlers in the tournament,” Maphaka told the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Saumy Pandey from India, Callum Vidler from Australia, they have bowled really well. I wouldn’t say I am the best, but I’m up there.
“Usually, the more you face someone the more comfortable it gets, but I am going to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the Indian batters in the semi-finals.”
Maphaka’s performances during this World Cup have been likened to Proteas superstar fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s breakout back in 2014 in the United Arab Emirates. Rabada played a prominent role in the Junior Proteas going on to win their maiden U19 World Cup title.
Rabada, who attended the same St Stithians school as Maphaka, was particularly devastating in the semi-final against the much-vaunted Australians when he claimed a six-wicket haul.
Maphaka is looking to emulate his idol’s performance in his own semi against India.
“KG is an inspiration to a lot of people in South Africa and outside – just the way he’s gone about his cricket, the work he has done from such a young age,” he said.
“It’s something I am trying to take on board.”
While India are unbeaten, the hosts have lost one game against England en route to the semi-finals. But since the defeat to the English, the Proteas have built up momentum under the leadership of Juan James.
The skipper certainly feels his team is ready for the contest at Willowmore Park.
“It’s been something we’ve worked towards for the past six months, so it’s really pleasing to see the hard work paying off,” James said.
“We’ve been really pleased with the way we’ve gone about our business during the last couple of games. We still feel like we haven’t put together the complete performance.”
