Newly recruited Rajasthan Royals pace sensation Kwena Maphaka was today handed his ODI debut by the Proteas management during the second ODI of South Africa vs Pakistan. Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), he demonstrated his lethal bowling by biting Mohammad Rizwan’s helmet with a fiery bouncer during the ongoing SA vs PAK second ODI.

Maphaka also made an immediate impact by taking the wicket of Pakistan opener Saim Ayub and putting the visitors on the defensive.

Watch the video of Mohammad Rizwan getting hit on his helmet by the deadly Maphaka gorilla below.

Given Maphaka’s tremendous promise at such a young age, Rajasthan Royals decided to secure the South African speedster for INR 1.5 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction last month. Before being picked up by RR, Maphaka plied his trade with the Mumbai Indians last season (IPL 2024).

Kwena Maphaka has already impressed in his limited international appearance

Kwena Maphaka was in the spotlight earlier this year while playing for South Africa Under-19. The left-arm fast bowler stood out by becoming the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with 21 wickets in six matches.

After his heroics in the U19 World Cup, MI signed Kwena Maphaka as a replacement player for Dilshan Madushanka, where he made two appearances, conceding 89 runs and picking only a solitary wicket.

In August, Maphaka made history as the youngest player to debut for South Africa in international cricket, achieving the feat aged just 18 years and 137 days during a bilateral series against the West Indies.

ALSO READ: Decision made on venues for ICC tournament games, including Champions Trophy, between India and Pakistan till 2027

During the recent T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the ODI leg, Maphaka impressed with his quick pace, clocking over 150 kmph in the speed gun.

For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.