South AfricaYoung fast bowling sensation, quena mafakahas been ruled out of the entire white ball phase of the upcoming tour against Pakistan And the only T20I against namibiaThe setback follows a hamstring strain he suffered during a recent home match, which has ruled the 19-year-old out for four weeks. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a replacement for the fast pace unit, ensuring the team will remain competitive for the challenging tasks ahead.
The reason behind the absence of South African fast bowler Kwena Mafaka
Mafaka suffered an unfortunate hamstring strain while representing the Lions in a four-day home match western province At Newlands last week. The promising young fast bowler managed to complete only 5.5 overs in the first innings before experiencing discomfort and leaving the field for preliminary assessment. Although immediate scans revealed no major damage, allowing him to return to action for the second innings, where he impressed with a spell of 3/26 from ten overs, more thorough medical assessment later revealed the true extent of the problem.
Cricket South Africa’s official statement confirmed that the injury was a Grade 1 to 2 hamstring strain, requiring a mandatory four-week period of rehabilitation. This timeline leaves Maphaka completely out of the limited-overs fixtures on the itinerary, which includes the one-off T20I against Namibia and the entire white-ball leg of the crucial Pakistan tour. This return is a significant blow for the team, considering the teenager’s impressive recent record of 15 wickets in 13 T20Is and five wickets in three ODIs, where his pace was expected to be a major weapon.
Kwena Mafaka’s replacement announced for Pakistan’s white-ball tour
In response to the forced withdrawal of Kwena Mafaka, Cricket South Africa immediately named otniel bartman As a direct replacement for the Pace battery. Bartman will join the team for the one-off T20 match against Namibia on October 11, which will precede the main tour. Apart from this, Bartman has also confirmed his place in the squad for the three-match T20 International series, which will face Pakistan at the end of the month. This selection provides a valuable opportunity to an experienced domestic campaigner to showcase his skills on an international platform.
In another significant adjustment to the touring party, lizad williamsJoe, who was already part of the preliminary T20I squad, has now been included in the One Day International (ODI) squad as well. These tactical additions provide the South African attack with the depth and experience needed to cope with the difficult conditions of the subcontinent. The team faces a hectic schedule, with the Pakistan tour officially starting on October 12 with two Test matches, followed by three T20Is starting on October 28 and ending with a three-match ODI series running till November 8. The first match of the tour is a one-off T20 match against Namibia.
South Africa’s updated squad for Namibia T20I
Donovan Ferreira (captain), Nandre Berger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuyn, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Harman, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nakaba Peter, Luan-Dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Otniel Baartman.
South Africa’s updated squad for Pakistan T20I
David Miller (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brewis, Nandre Berger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Luan-Dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Otniel Baartman.
South Africa update for Pakistan ODI
Matthew Britzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brewis, Nandre Berger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony De Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuyn, George Linde, Lizard Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nkaba Peter, Luan-Dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Keshile.
