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‘Hopefully I Am Better’ - SA U19 Star Shares 'Bold' Message For Jasprit Bumrah

image-lrnh21eaKwena Maphaka celebrating a wicket with SA U19 teammates (x.com)

South African Under-19 speedster Kwena Maphaka packed a match-winning five-fer against West Indies in his side’s opening match of the ongoing Under-19 World Cup 2024 at home. The cricketer claimed astonishing figures of 5-38 to demolish West Indies for just 254, thus securing an emphatic 31-run win for his country.

Maphaka was fittingly adjudged as the ‘Player of the Match’ for his game-defining spell, one which propelled South Africa Under-19 to their first win of the tournament.

After the match, the 17-year-old star pacer praised modern-day bowling legend Jasprit Bumrah and even shared a special message for the Indian speedster.

Kwena Maphaka “hoping” to go beyond Jasprit Bumrah

While speaking with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after powering South Africa Under-19 to an easy win against West Indies, Kwena Maphaka shared a special message for Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Praising the Indian fast bowler, the youngster stated:

“Jasprit you're a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you.”

Kwena Maphaka also expressed his excitement of bowling his side to victory against West Indies Under-19. The pacer added:

“It's definitely a great way to get the World Cup started off. We knew we had it in us. We were just waiting for that performance. I am happy it could come out today and hopefully a few more.”

Watch: Kwena Maphaka shares message for Jasprit Bumrah

In the match against West Indies, Maphaka’s teammates Riley Norton and David Teeger also chipped in with key wickets to star in South Africa’s 31-run win. Earlier in the game, Proteas middle-order batter Dewan Marais blasted a 38-ball 65 to take his side to 285-9 from their 50 overs.

Kwena Maphaka will now turn up for South Africa Under-19 in their subsequent Group B match against their English counterparts.

The much-awaited contest is set to be staged at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on January 23.