Who replaces Kwena Maphaka in South Africa’s Test of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: South Africa pacer Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the entire series against Pakistan in Lahore after suffering a hamstring strain, team officials confirmed on Thursday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) swiftly announced his replacement to maintain balance in the pace unit for the challenging tour. The 19-year-old fast bowler also missed a T20I against Namibia following the injury, which occurred during a four-day domestic match against Western Province last week.

Maphaka sustained a grade 1–2 hamstring strain, sidelining him for about four weeks. Before the injury, he bowled only 5.5 overs in the first innings before leaving the field for assessment. Medical reports confirmed no major damage, allowing him to return later and impress with a spell of 3 for 26 in ten overs.

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CSA has named Ottneil Baartman as Maphaka’s replacement for the upcoming fixtures against Namibia and Pakistan, starting October 11. Baartman has also been included in the three-match T20 International series squad to face Pakistan later this month — offering the experienced domestic pacer a valuable chance to prove himself on the international stage.