Kwena Maphaka to make Test debut at Newlands

Kwena Maphaka ProteasKwena Maphaka.

South Africa have confirmed the XI for this week’s second Test against Pakistan at Newlands in Cape Town.

All-rounder Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj have returned to the XI after recovering from respective finger and groin injuries.

Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who has been capped in ODI and T20I cricket, will debut at Test level this week.

Batsman Tony de Zorzi and seamers Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch have been excluded. De Zorzi is injured.

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“Kwena’s selection is about his potential more than anything. He has shown his talent and he possesses that extra bit of pace, which we wanted to go with,” said Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma.

“Unfortunately Dane, who has been superb for us, misses out. But we are quite excited for Kwena. There is a series on the line and we wanted to give a youngster a chance when there is something to play for. I’m sure he will be looking forward to running in with Kagiso Rabada over the next few days.”

South Africa lead the two-match series. Victory in last week’s series opener at SuperSport Park in Centurion gave the Proteas a berth in the International Cricket Council’s World Test Championship final this year. They will play Australia, India or Sri Lanka in June 2025’s WTC final at Lord’s in London, England.

New Zealand won the 2019-21 WTC title. India ended in second position and Australia third. England were fourth. South Africa were fifth.

Australia won the 2021-23 WTC title. India ended in second position and South Africa third. England were fourth. Sri Lanka were fifth.

Proteas XI for Newlands Test

  1. Aiden Markam
  2. Ryan Rickelton
  3. Tristan Stubbs
  4. Temba Bavuma (captain)
  5. David Bedingham
  6. Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper)
  7. Wiaan Mulder
  8. Marco Jansen
  9. Keshav Maharaj
  10. Kagiso Rabada
  11. Kwena Maphaka

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