South Africa Kwena Maphaka Ruled Out of Pakistan Tour Due to Hamstring Injury

South Africa have suffered an early blow ahead of their upcoming tour of Pakistan, as their young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the white-ball matches due to a hamstring injury. This unfortunate setback comes just as the team was preparing for an important leg of their international schedule.

The 19-year-old pacer sustained the injury during a domestic game in South Africa last week. After undergoing medical tests and scans, doctors confirmed that Maphaka had suffered a grade 1–2 hamstring strain. He will now need about four weeks of rehabilitation, which means he will miss the entire white-ball series in Pakistan. The medical team has advised him to rest and focus on recovery to avoid further complications, ensuring he returns fully fit for future series.

Although Maphaka is still new to the international stage, he has already made a strong impression with his raw pace and control. Seen as one of South Africa’s most promising young fast bowlers, he has represented the national team in all three formats. Known for consistently bowling above 90 miles per hour, Maphaka’s fiery pace was expected to play a major role in countering Pakistan’s strong batting lineup, especially on their traditionally flat and batting-friendly pitches.

With Maphaka unavailable, the South African selectors have called up Ottneil Baartman to fill the gap in the T20I squad. Baartman is familiar with facing Pakistan’s top order, having previously featured in the T20I series against them on home soil in December. He impressed selectors with his tight line and length, swing control, and accuracy with the new ball, making him a reliable replacement for Maphaka in the shortest format.

Additionally, Lizaad Williams has been included in the ODI squad to strengthen South Africa’s pace attack. The inclusion of Williams gives the Proteas more bowling depth as they carefully manage player workloads during an increasingly packed international schedule. His experience and ability to bowl in both powerplays and death overs make him a valuable asset for the upcoming series.

The Proteas’ white-ball squads are expected to arrive in Pakistan later this month, where they will play three T20 Internationals followed by three One Day Internationals. The tour is part of South Africa’s broader preparation for the major ICC tournaments scheduled for next year, as well as an opportunity to fine-tune combinations and strategies under subcontinent conditions.

For both teams, the Pakistan–South Africa series will be more than just another set of matches—it’s a crucial test of form and balance before the final stretch of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup qualification cycle. It will also give fans a glimpse of emerging talents and how both sides are shaping their squads for the future.

READ MORE: Imran Farhat Appointed Pakistan’s Batting Coach for South Africa Test Series