Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and all-rounder Jason Smith have been selected for South Africa’s Twenty20 squad for the first time for a three-match series against the West Indies, as announced by Cricket South Africa on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old Maphaka, who was named player of the tournament at the recent Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, and secured an IPL contract, joins the squad alongside Smith, known for his dynamic performance in domestic T20 matches.
The South African team returns to the Caribbean following their runner-up finish to India at the T20 World Cup in June, with a revised squad that omits several key players.
Coach Rob Walter explained, “Several players were not selected for this series due to injuries, workload management, or ongoing T20 league commitments. This tour will help us develop our player pool while retaining experienced players and exposing emerging talent to high-level international competition, similar to our last series against the West Indies in May.”
Walter added, “Kwena has shown significant potential, and this tour offers him a valuable opportunity to gain international experience within the Proteas setup.”
Rassie van der Dussen, who was unexpectedly left out of the World Cup squad, has been recalled for this series.
The three-match series will be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago on August 23, 25, and 27.
Squad:
- Aiden Markram (Titans, captain)
- Ottneil Baartman (Dolphins)
- Nandre Burger (Western Province)
- Donovan Ferreira (Titans)
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Reeza Hendricks (both Lions)
- Patrick Kruger (Warriors)
- Kwena Maphaka
- Wiaan Mulder (both Lions)
- Lungi Ngidi (Titans)
- Ryan Rickelton (Lions)
- Jason Smith (Dolphins)
- Tristan Stubbs (Warriors)
- Rassie van der Dussen (Lions)
- Lizaad Williams (Titans)
