Rising Proteas star Kwena Maphaka has a number of attributes that could see him enjoy a long international career, but perhaps his best asset is the natural aggression he possesses as a fast bowler.
The left arm quick made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year. It did not go well.
The lanky speedster was carted around the park before returning figures of 0/66 in four overs. In his second and final match of the campaign, he returned better figures of 1/23 in two overs.
Since then, Maphaka turned 18 and went on to become the youngest-ever cricketer to play for South Africa when he made his T20 International (T20I) debut against hosts West Indies in Tarouba last month.
Maphaka claimed a wicket on debut, and certainly showed signs that he could form a vital part of the Proteas attack in future.
The teenager also has the typical, aggressive attitude of a fast bowler.
Happy 18th birthday to Kwena Maphaka 🌟pic.twitter.com/qLuJTMDVeB
— Werner (@Werries_) April 8, 2024
I like having a stare down
"I like being in the batter's face, creating a battle even if there's no words involved. I like having a little stare down because it keeps me in the game and it lets the batters know that I'm not here to play around.
“It's a statement that I'd like to make,” Maphaka told SportsBoom.com.
Though growing up Maphaka would have seen Kagiso Rabada lead the Proteas attack after winning the Under-19 Cricket World Cup for South Africa in 2014, it’s a much older player that inspired the young cricketer.
In fact that player’s international career came to an end six years before Maphaka was even born.
That player is Curtly Ambrose, the fiery fast West Indian bowling legend. Ambrose is widely considered one of the great fast bowlers, as he claimed 630 wickets in Test matches and One-Day Internationals.
Though he would not have seen him bowl during his playing career, Maphaka said it was easy to be inspired by Ambrose.
"One of my cricketing role models has to be Curtley Ambrose. The way that he went about the game, his aggression and control, there were just so many things to like about him," said Maphaka.
"The West Indies have a long line of fast bowlers that can be looked up to so it's really special to make my debut where there's so many greats.”
Having made his Proteas bow so early in his career, Maphaka also revealed it was a dream of his to play for his country.
"It's something that I've been dreaming about my whole life, to represent the Proteas. To be the youngest to do it just adds the cherry on top of the cake.
"From the age of six or seven years old, I've wanted to be a Proteas. The feeling of making your Proteas debut is amazing. It was very special when Saucy (Aiden Markram) handed me the ball.”
"I mean, a year ago I was watching these guys on TV and now I'm in the change room with them, it's something that's surreal.”