Mumbai Indians played their second match of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. Hardik Pandya won the toss in this match and decided to field first. Young South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka got a chance to debut for Mumbai in this match.
17-year-old Kwena Maphaka is one of the youngest players to join this season of IPL. He is a part of South Africa’s Under-19 team. His performance in the Under-19 World Cup this year was tremendous and he was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Maphaka took 21 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 9.71 and took five or more wickets in an innings three times, the most by any bowler in a single edition. He was also named the best player of the series.
Kwena Maphaka was a replacement for Dilshan Madhushanka
Maphaka was included in their squad by Mumbai Indians as a replacement after Sri Lankan bowler Dilshan Madhushanka was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. For this, Maphaka will be paid Rs 50 lakh by the franchise. However, he was not included in the playing XI in the first match against Gujarat Titans. Maphaka has got a chance to play in place of Luke Wood in the second match against SRH.
Maphaka conceded 66 runs in 4 overs
Maphaka proved to be costly in this match as he conceded 66 runs in 4 overs with the economy rate of 16.50. He made an unwanted record of being the foreign player with the most runs conceded in an IPL innings. However, His debut match in the IPL does not reflect his hard work and previous achievements.
Senior players backed this young talent
Left-arm fast bowler Maphaka has played 9 matches in his T20 career before making his debut for Mumbai Indians. During this period, he has taken 13 wickets at an average of 16.53 and economy rate of 6.71. After his unfortunate debut, many senior players including Dale Steyn, Bravo and Pieterson are now supporting him and asking him to keep his chin up. He is just a young player who has potential to grow and perform better in upcoming days.
