Kwena Maphaka

Kwena Maphaka is a South African fast bowler renowned for his left-arm pace and swing bowling. Born on April 8, 2006, in Johannesburg, Kwena Maphaka made his South Africa U-19 debut at just 15 and went on to represent his country in two ICC U-19 World Cups. At the 2024 U19 World Cup, he claimed 21 wickets - the most by any pace bowler in a single tournament. His run included three five-wicket hauls, a record for a single edition, and a three-wicket spell against India in the semi-finals. Maphaka represents Paarl Royals in South Africa's SA20 league. He made his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 edition, just a month shy of his 18th birthday, becoming the youngest South African to feature in the league. Kwena’s rise continued later that year, when he made his T20I debut for South Africa against the West Indies, setting the record as the youngest South African man to play international cricket at 18 years and 137 days. In 2025, Maphaka joined the Rajasthan Royals through the IPL mega auction. Under the guidance of fast-bowling coach Shane Bond, the young prodigy is poised to sharpen his craft further.