Who is Kwena Maphaka? U-19 World Cup Hero Who Replaced Dilshan Madushanka In MI’s IPL 2024 Squad

Mumbai Indians have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season by adding Kwena Maphaka, following an injury blow to Dilshan Madushanka.

🚨 Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka. Read more ➡️ https://t.co/RgJLT42mmK

Maphaka has joined the squad and he has the distinction of being one of the youngest player both domestic and overseas to be a part of the IPL and carrying… pic.twitter.com/rPzJjTPuXx

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 20, 2024

Who is Kwena Maphaka?

Kwena Maphaka, the 17-year-old sensation from South Africa, stole the show at this year’s U19 World Cup, dominating as a left-arm pace bowler and setting a new record with 21 wickets, the highest ever by a pace bowler in the tournament’s history.

Maphaka’s cricket journey is truly extraordinary, as he made his debut for South Africa’s U19 team at just 15 years old, marking the beginning of an inspiring career.

He left a lasting impression at the U19 World Cup 2022, participating in three matches and securing seven wickets with an average of 18.29 and an economy rate of 5.56 runs per over. This also earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.

KWENA MAPHAKA, THE U-19 STAR WILL PLAY FOR MUMBAI INDIANS. 🔥pic.twitter.com/BEjE65Fn6g

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 20, 2024

The tall fast bowler’s capacity to clock speeds of up to 140kph, combined with a menacing bouncer and deadly yorkers, has established him as a dominant presence in the art of death bowling.

Touching down in Mumbai after flying in from South Africa on Tuesday, March 19, Kwena Maphaka eagerly joins the pre-season training camp, is all set to step into the shoes of Dilshan Madushanka and carve out his place in the world’s premier T20 league.