Kwena Maphaka Ruled Out of Namibia T20I and Pakistan Tour Due to Hamstring Injury
South Africa fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I against Namibia and the white-ball leg of the tour to Pakistan after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that Maphaka, who experienced discomfort during a domestic four-day match for the Lions against Western Province at Newlands, has suffered a grade 1-2 hamstring strain. The left-arm pacer underwent initial scans which showed no serious damage, allowing him to return for the second innings, where he claimed 3 for 26 to help secure an innings victory. However, subsequent medical assessments revealed the extent of the injury, ruling him out for at least four weeks.
In Maphaka's absence, Ottneil Baartman has been named as his replacement for the one-off T20I against Namibia, scheduled for October 11, and the T20I series against Pakistan starting October 28. Meanwhile, Lizaad Williams, already part of the T20I squad, has also been added to the ODI squad for the Pakistan tour.
South Africa’s tour of Pakistan begins with two Tests starting October 12, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs, concluding on November 8.
South Africa Squad for Namibia T20I
Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman
South Africa Squad for Pakistan T20Is
David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman
South Africa Squad for Pakistan ODIs
Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile
Maphaka will now undergo a structured rehabilitation program in a bid to regain fitness ahead of the home summer.