The Proteas white-ball coach, Rob Walter, has made a huge call when naming his squad for the upcoming T20 International series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. The Lions left-arm seamer, Kwena Maphaka (18), has received his maiden call-up to the senior men’s national team.

Maphaka burst onto the scene during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa earlier in the year, where he was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

In addition, the Dolphins all-rounder, Jason Smith, has also earned a maiden call-up to the senior national team.

Rob Walter. Photo: Morgan Piek

Walter said this is an ideal opportunity to allow the teenager Maphaka to gain international experience by being in the environment. “Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues.

“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players. It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to the last time we played against the West Indies in May.

Jason Smith. Photo: Dolphins

“We’re excited to have Jason Smith and Kwena Maphaka join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up.

“Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience.”

The first T20 International will be played on 23 August in Trinidad & Tobago.

Proteas T20 International squad – Aiden Markram (captain, Titans), Ottneil Baartman (Dolphins), Nandre Burger (Western Province), Donovan Ferreira (Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Patrick Kruger (Warriors), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Jason Smith (Dolphins), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions) and Lizaad Williams (Titans).

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh