Teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka enjoyed a fantastic CSA T20 Challenge 2024, claiming 13 wickets in the tournament with an economy rate of 6.03. The left-arm pacer finished as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament along with Lions player Junaid Dawood.

Maphaka, who rose to prominence in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year, was signed by Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024. He even made his IPL debut and showed glimpses of his talent in a of the best T20 leagues in the world.

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Maphaka displayed exceptional talent at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, winning the Player of the Tournament award for his impactful performances. The South African pacer took 21 wickets throughout the tournament, just one short of the tournament record, making him the highest wicket-taker. Maphaka achieved the remarkable feat of three five-wicket hauls, setting a record in a single edition of the U19 World Cup. His consistency and ability to perform at crucial moments played a key role in South Africa’s run through the tournament.

Maphaka’s most notable periods included a memorable June 21 performance against Sri Lanka. His impact drew comparisons to U-19 stars of the past as South Africa unearthed another gem. He later also made his debut for the Proteas.

However, with the retention and release dates of IPL 2025 approaching, Mumbai Indians are expected to release Maphaka and several superstar players are likely to be retained. This would bring the young Proteas prodigy back into the IPL auction and his performances so far suggest that the quick left-arm spinner could fetch a few crores.

Titans’ final season in the CSA T20 Challenge 2024 puts him back in the spotlight as the auction date approaches in two months’ time. Maphaka will also get a chance to showcase his talent when the Proteas take on India next month in a four-match T20I series at home. The left-arm quick is expected to feature in the series and it could be the biggest stage for him to showcase his wares ahead of the auction.

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Lions win CSA T20 Challenge 2024

In the final of the CSA T20 Challenge 2024, the Lions achieved victory over the Titans by 8 wickets at the Wanderers Stadium. Batting first, the Titans struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 119 in 19.2 overs, with Lutho Sipamla claiming 4 wickets. In response, the Lions, led by Rassie van der Dussen’s unbeaten 44 and Connor Esterhuizen’s 48, chased down the target in 15.1 overs, emphatically sealing the title.

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