Kwena Maphaka’s exceptional performance, clinching a five-wicket haul, propelled South Africa Under-19 to a convincing nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Under-19 in their Group 2 Super Six encounter at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
Maphaka’s brilliance with the ball led to Zimbabwe being restricted to 102 runs, a target which South Africa effortlessly chased down in 13.3 overs, losing only one wicket in the process.
This triumph boosted South Africa’s net run rate positively as they vie for one of the top two positions to secure a spot in the semifinals.
They currently occupy the second position, ahead of West Indies, who also have four points but a lower net run rate.
The 17-year-old prodigy from Lions took 5 wickets for 34 runs in his 10 overs, dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup in just 29.2 overs.
He now shares the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Youth ODI history, tallying three. Additionally, Maphaka is now the third-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Under-19 cricket.
Maphaka opened the bowling after his captain, Juan James, opted to field first upon winning the toss.
In his second Under-19 World Cup appearance, the 17-year-old wreaked havoc on Zimbabwe’s top order, claiming three wickets for just eight runs in his initial three overs.
Despite a 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Ronak Patel (32) and Ryan Kamwemba (24), Maphaka and his teammates persisted. Tristan Luus and Riley Norton, the change bowlers, performed exceptionally well in the middle overs, conceding only 19 runs and taking three wickets.
Maphaka returned in the 21st over to wrap up the tail, adding two more wickets for seven runs to his tally.
For his outstanding bowling display, Maphaka was rightfully awarded the player of the match.
Luus was South Africa’s second-best bowler, claiming three wickets in 7.2 overs with an economy rate of 3.4 runs per over.
With Zimbabwe’s innings folded cheaply, Maphaka and his fellow pacers laid the groundwork for a swift and straightforward chase for the home team.
True to form, South Africa’s opening batsmen started aggressively. Lhuan-dre Pretorius crafted an unbeaten 53 off 39 deliveries, including nine fours and a six.
Pretorius forged an 86-run partnership for the opening wicket with Steve Stolk (37) and eventually completed the chase alongside David Teeger (10*).
Anesu Kamuriwo was the lone wicket-taker for Zimbabwe, returning figures of 1 wicket for 31 runs in six overs, one of which was a maiden.
Here are the team line-ups:
SOUTH AFRICA U19: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Steve Stolk, David Teeger, Richard Seletswane, Dewan Marais, Juan James (c), Romashan Pillay, Riley Norton, Tristan Luus, Raeeq Daniels, Kwena Maphaka.
ZIMBABWE U19: Nathaniel Hlabangana, Panashe Taruvinga, Brandon Sunguro, Ronak Patel, Campbell Macmillan, Ryan Kamwemba (wk), Matthew Schonken (c), Newman Nyamhuri, Mashford Shungu, Anesu Kamuriwo, Ryan Simbi.
