Kwena Maphaka made history on his T20I debut by becoming the youngest cricketer (18 years and 137 days) to represent South Africa in international cricket.
The budding left-handed speedster broke the record of Phenyo Victor Mpitsang, who debuted for South Africa at the age of 18 years and 314 days. Mpitsang had made his international debut against the West Indies in an ODI match at Springbok Park in Bloemfontein on 5 February 1999.
Coincidentally, Maphaka also made his debut against the West Indies. His first cap was awarded by Good luck.
Maphaka had a debut to remember from a personal point of view as he dismissed Rovman Powell and conceded just 25 runs in 3.5 overs at an economy rate of 6.52 per over.
However, South Africa suffered a seven-wicket defeat in the first match of the T20I series at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.
West Indies beat South Africa to open T20I series
The Men in Maroon began the three-match series with a thumping seven-wicket win. The Rovman Powell-led side put on 175 runs in just 17.5 overs with the help of a blistering knock by Nicholas Pooran. Pooran played an unbeaten knock of 65 and demolished the South African bowling attack.
Pooran’s knock included two boundaries and seven maximums and he had a staggering strike rate of 250.00. Pooran, who was adjudged Player of the Match (POTM), found the ideal launch pad to go wild after the first couple of knocks. Hope Shai and Alick Athanaze added 84 runs for the opening wicket in just eight overs.
Early in the match, South Africa struggled to get going after Rovman put them in to bat first. They lost wickets in bunches and managed to put 174 runs on the board, largely due to the efforts of Tristan Stubbs (76 off 42 balls) and Patrick Kruger (44 runs off 32 deliveries).
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