Kwena Maphaka becomes youngest player to represent South Africa in ODI cricket

Kwena Maphaka picked up Saim Ayub as his maiden ODI wicket.

Four months after becoming South Africa‘s youngest-ever T20I player, pacer Kwena Maphaka became his country’s youngest-ever ODI player at the age of 18 years and 255 days when he made his ODI debut on December 19 against Pakistan in Cape Town.

South Africa, who lost the first ODI in Paarl, hosted Pakistan in the second ODI at Newlands on Thursday. With Kagiso Rabada resting for this match, the Proteas roped in Maphaka for his ODI debut.

The youngster received his debut ODI cap from senior paceman Rabada, who delivered a moving speech for the 18-year-old.

Aged 18 years and 255 days, Maphaka broke the record of Victor Mpitsang, who made his ODI debut at 18 years and 314 days in 1999.

Youngest ODI debutants for South Africa:

18y 255d – Kwena Maphaka vs PAK in 2024

18y 314d – Victor Mpitsang vs WI in 1999

18y 364d – Paul Adams vs ENG in 1996

Maphaka picked up Saim Ayub as his maiden ODI wicket, dismissing the Pakistani opener for 25 runs.

Left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka has also been named in South Africa’s test squad to face Pakistan in a two-match test series.

It’s been a breakthrough year for Maphaka. He started the year with record-breaking show in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. He then made his debut for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, becoming the franchise’s youngest player. He’s now made his debut in both white-ball formats for South Africa, and a test debut doesn’t seem far away either.

Recently, he was bought by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 1.5 crore.

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