Highest wickets in history of men’s U19 World Cup: The South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka secured a tournament record by ending the Under 19 World Cup with 21 wickets, boasting an average of only 9.71.
South African pacer Kwena Maphaka has made history by becoming the first bowler to pick up three 5-wicket hauls in the history of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The young fast bowler picked up figures of 5/38 against the West Indies, 5/34 against Zimbabwe, and then 6/21 against Sri Lanka.
Although South Africa narrowly missed out on securing their second ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka setting a tournament record and equaling another with his 21 wickets. Despite their defeat in the thrilling semi-final against India in Benoni on Tuesday, where they suffered a narrow two-wicket loss, Maphaka showcased steller performance throughout the event.
Maphaka concludes his Under 19 World Cup career with an impressive average of 11.85. His average at this year’s event is even more remarkable at 9.71.
In the semi-final match against India, Maphaka took figures of 3/32. His delivery to dismiss India opener Adarsh Singh with the first ball, then dismissed Sachin Dhas and last wicket of Aravelly Avanish. Maphaka secured total 21 wickets throughout the tournament.
At just 17 years old, Maphaka extremely close to equaling the record of 22 wickets set by Bangladesh’s Enamul Haque Jr. in 2014 for the most wickets at a single edition of the Under 19 World Cup.
Maphaka set record for the most wickets in the history of the Under 19 World Cup with supressing Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere, both having claimed 28 wickets.
Previously, only four players achieved two 5-wicket hauls at an Under 19 World Cup. Maphaka’s three 5-wicket hauls surpassed the records of Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage (2022), Afghanistan’s Shafiqullah Ghafari (2020), and Pakistan duo Anwar Ali (2006) and Riaz Afridi (2004).
Maphaka’s journey started from the 2024 U19 Men’s World Cup has been truly remarkable. It all started on January 19th, when South Africa played with the West Indies in Potchefstroom. Maphaka’s devastating figure of 5/38 not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also South Africa have discovered a bowler for senior international cricket in the future.
Maphaka’s stellar performance guided his team to a commanding win over Zimbabwe on January 31st. With impressive figures of 5/34 in 10 overs, limiting Zimbabwe to a total of 102 runs. Within 13.3 overs South Africa easily chased down the target of 103 runs with the loss of just one wicket. Maphaka got his second Player of the Match award.
Maphaka’s third five-wicket haul came against Sri Lanka 6/21 in 8.2 overs, which helped the Proteas qualify for the knockout stages. With this achievement, Maphaka now joins the ranks of some of the greatest names in Youth ODI history and has listed to third place on South Africa’s all-time list of wicket-takers in Under-19 cricket.
Madhevere attained his wicket tally from 18 matches across three editions of the tournament in 2016, 2018, and 2020. He achieved the same feat in just nine matches at the Under 19 World Cup.
Highest wickets in history of men’s U19 World Cup
Kwena Maphaka (South Africa) – 28 wickets – 2022 – 2024
Wessly Madhevere (Zimbabwe) – 28 wickets – 2016 – 2020
Moises Henriques (Australia) – 27 wickets – 2004 – 2006
Greg Thompson (Ireland) – 27 wickets – 2004 – 2008
Abhishek Sharma (India) – 26 wickets – 2002 – 2004
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