In the U-19 World Cup 2024, South African young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka became the center of attention with his remarkable performance against the West Indies in Potchefstroom on January 19. Maphaka’s extraordinary bowling figures of 5/38 not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also caught widespread attention, particularly for his unique celebration style reminiscent of Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah's 'I don't know' gesture, characterised by outstretched hands.
In a post-match video on ICC's Instagram page, Maphaka shared his thoughts on choosing the 'I don't know' celebration, reflecting his admiration for Bumrah and displaying a sense of confidence in his abilities as a left-arm pacer.
"I actually asked my brother for a celebration to give me just before the World Cup. And he just said 'I have no clue. I don't know'. I said, 'You know what, that sounds good. Let me go with the "I don't know" celebration,'" said Maphaka.
"Jasprit you're a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you," he added.
The West Indies, faced with a challenging target of 286 runs, were dismissed for 254, still 9.5 overs shy of completion. This underscored the impact and timeliness of Maphaka's wickets in the match.
Maphaka's performance was particularly crucial at a pivotal moment in the game. The West Indies, at 225/7, were stabilizing with a significant 25-run partnership between Jewel Andre and Nathan Edwards. However, South Africa was in dire need of a breakthrough. That's when Maphaka returned to the attack, displaying his skill and composure under pressure. He claimed two of the last three wickets, effectively turning the game in South Africa's favor.
Maphaka's emergence as a key player for South Africa in the U19 World Cup not only highlights his exceptional talent but also his ability to perform under pressure. His performance and celebration style have not only drawn comparisons to established stars like Jasprit Bumrah but have also put him in the spotlight as a promising young talent in cricket. His role in this crucial win demonstrates his potential as a future star in international cricket.
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