NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians on Wednesday handed debut to young
South African pacer
Kwena Maphaka against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Teen sensation Maphaka, who is 17-year-old, became the second youngest player to debut for MI in the IPL after
Rasikh Salam
, who was just a day younger at 17 years and 353 days when he made his debut against the Delhi Capitals in 2019.
Overall, Maphaka became the third-youngest overseas player to make his debut in the IPL, following in the footsteps of Mujeeb ur Rahman, who debuted for the Punjab Kings, and Sandeep Lamichhane, who debuted for the Delhi Capitals, both in 2018.
Maphaka came into reckoning after he ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded
ICC Under-19 World Cup
, where he picked up a record 21 wickets in just six games.
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Maphaka, who hails from Johannesburg, is known for his lethal yorkers and can hit speeds of 140 kph.
Maphaka, who was brought in as a replacement for the injured Sri Lankan player Dilshan Madushanka, will aim to capitalise on the wealth of experience shared by seasoned pacers like
Jasprit Bumrah
and the guidance of the bowling coach,
Lasith Malinga
.
English (US) ·