Injury Blow Hits South Africa Ahead of Pakistan Tour

South Africa have been dealt an early setback ahead of their tour of Pakistan, with young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka ruled out of the white-ball leg due to a hamstring injury.

The 19-year-old sustained the strain during a domestic match in South Africa last week. Following scans and medical evaluations, Maphaka was diagnosed with a grade 1–2 hamstring injury and will now undergo a four-week rehabilitation program, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming white-ball series in Pakistan.

Despite being relatively new to the international arena, Kwena Maphaka has quickly been identified as part of South Africa’s next generation of pace bowlers, having already debuted in all three formats for the Proteas. Capable of hitting speeds in excess of 90 mph, he was expected to play a key role on Pakistan’s batting-friendly surfaces.

In his absence, the Proteas selectors have turned to Ottneil Baartman, who steps into the T20I squad. Baartman is no stranger to the Pakistani challenge having last represented South Africa during the home T20I series against the Men in Green in December, showcasing his control and new-ball accuracy.

Meanwhile, Lizaad Williams has been added to the ODI squad for the Pakistan leg of the tour, providing additional pace options as South Africa look to manage workloads amid a busy international calendar.

The Proteas’ white-ball teams are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan later this month for a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series, a tour that forms part of the ongoing international season leading up to next year’s major ICC events.

For the two teams, the series presents a chance to test their strength against each other ahead of the home stretch of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup qualification cycle.

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