Kwena Maphaka becomes South Africa's youngest ever ODI debutant

Four months after becoming South Africa’s youngest T20I player, 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka has now become the country’s youngest ever ODI debutant.

Maphaka achieved the feat at Newlands, Cape Town, today (December 19) after being handed his maiden cap in the format in the second ODI against Pakistan. 

The previous record was held by fast bowler Victor Mpitsang, who, in 1999 against West Indies, became the youngest player to feature in an ODI for the Proteas at the age of 18 years and 314 days. Paul Adams is the only other player to have played an ODI for the Proteas before turning 19.

Youngest ODI debutants for South Africa

18y 255d - Kwena Maphaka vs PAK in 2024

18y 314d - Victor Mpitsang vs WI in 1999

18y 364d - Paul Adams vs ENG in 1996

Maphaka’s achievement comes a day after being named in South Africa’s Test squad for the all-important two-match series against Pakistan. One win across the two games will guarantee the Proteas a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

It’s been a dream year for the teenager, who, after featuring in the U19 World Cup for South Africa, has gone on to break all sorts of records. Earlier this year, in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), he became Mumbai Indians’ youngest-ever debutant at the age of 17 years and 354 days.