(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Injury Blow for South Africa as Kwena Maphaka Ruled Out of Pakistan Tour
October 9, 2025 | 1:18 PM
South Africa have suffered an early setback ahead of their upcoming tour of Pakistan, as rising fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the white-ball leg due to a hamstring injury.
The 19-year-old pacer sustained the injury during a domestic match in South Africa last week. Medical scans confirmed a grade 1–2 hamstring strain, and he will now undergo a four-week rehabilitation program, sidelining him for the T20I and ODI series in Pakistan.
Maphaka’s Rising Career Cut Short Temporarily
Though still early in his international journey, Kwena Maphaka has quickly earned recognition as one of South Africa’s brightest young fast-bowling talents. Known for his pace and control — regularly clocking speeds above 90 mph — Maphaka was expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s challenging batting conditions.
His absence will be a major blow to the Proteas’ bowling attack, which had planned to use his raw pace to counter Pakistan’s top-order strength.
Squad Changes Announced
To cover for Maphaka’s injury, Ottneil Baartman has been drafted into the T20I squad. Baartman brings prior experience against Pakistan, having impressed during the home T20I series in December with his disciplined new-ball bowling.
In addition, Lizaad Williams has been added to the ODI squad, giving South Africa more depth in their pace department as they manage player workloads during a packed international schedule.
Upcoming Tour Schedule
The Proteas’ white-ball squads are set to arrive in Pakistan later this month for a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. The tour is part of the ongoing international season and serves as key preparation for next year’s ICC events.
Despite the setback, South Africa remain confident in their bench strength and depth of talent. The upcoming series will offer both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup qualification cycle.
