Teen sensation Kwena Maphaka said representing South Africa in senior international cricket is a dream come true.

The left-arm seamer (18) recently made his Proteas debut in the three-match T20 International series against the West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago.

‘It’s something I’m going to hold dear to my heart for a very long time’

Maphaka ended up playing in all three matches but it was a steep learning curve and, in the process, he became the youngest player to represent South Africa in senior international cricket.

The Lions quick said being the youngest South African men’s player ever is special. “Being the youngest player to represent South Africa is definitely a great privilege and it’s a great honour,” said Maphaka.

Kwena Maphaka has already played for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Picture: Cricinfo

“It’s something that I’m going to hold dear to my heart for a very long time. It’s an amazing feeling and it’s something that I’ve been dreaming about my whole life, to represent the Proteas and to be the youngest to do it, just is the cherry on top of the cake.”

“The young fast bowler added that there were definitely a lot of nerves before bowling for the first time, but the renowned calmness of the captain Aiden Markram just allowed him to focus on what needed to be done.

“The feeling of making your Proteas debut, being handed the ball, is just amazing. Normally, I come out of the new ball, but coming in in the third over is something a little bit different to me. 

“It was really special when Saucy (Aiden Markram) handed me the ball, it was indescribable, honestly. It was an amazing feeling and there were definitely a lot of nerves, but even more excitement and it was just really good to be out there on the park.

“Saucy was chatting to me and he was basically just saying, you know, keep calm, do what you normally do and show us what you’re made of. That was really important to me to kind of just keep me calm and keep me going in the game.”

While Maphaka is already a fully-fledged Protea, he spent his free time on tour to study for his matric exams. Once he has completed his school a little later in the year, Maphaka will be introduced into the Test setup.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg