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Key Points

South Africa is set to inject young talent into their ODI squad with teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and explosive batter Dewald Brevis poised to make significant contributions. Brevis, coming off a remarkable T20I series where he scored 180 runs including a century, is expected to make his 50-over international debut. Captain Temba Bavuma, returning from the Test Championship victory, expressed excitement about the emerging players. The three-match series against Australia begins Tuesday in Cairns, promising high-octane cricket action.

Key Points: Brevis Set to Debut as Maphaka Joins South Africa vs Australia ODI Squad

  • - 19-year-old Maphaka joins squad after impressive T20I performance with nine wickets
  • Brevis ready for ODI debut after T20I century
  • Bavuma returns from Test Championship triumph
  • South Africa aims to challenge Australia in three-match series
2 min read

South Africa add Maphaka to ODI squad as Brevis primed to make debut against Australia

Young talents Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka primed to make impact in crucial ODI series against Australia in Cairns

"It's always exciting when you see the young faces - Temba Bavuma"

Cairns, Aug 18

South Africa have added teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka to their ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia starting on Tuesday in Cairns and are also poised to hand a 50-over international debut to in-form batter Dewald Brevis.

Maphaka, 19, forced his way into the ODI following a breakout display in the recent T20I series against Australia, where he picked up nine wickets to finish as the leading wicket-taker. The left-arm pacer has already two ODI caps, and could be in starting eleven as South Africa seek to put up a strong challenge against Australia.

Brevis, meanwhile, is almost certain to make his ODI debut after a stellar T20I series saw him smash a rollicking 41-ball century in Darwin and follow up with a blazing half-century in Cairns to finish with 180 runs and making him the top run-scorer across both teams.

South Africa's ODI skipper Temba Bavuma said he had been impressed by Brevis' form. "It's always exciting when you see the young faces. Obviously the big talk has been on Brevis, (he's been) putting up his hand and showing what he is capable of. (I'm) excited to see what he can also bring within the one-day stuff," said Bavuma to reporters on Monday.

The ODI series against also marks Bavuma's return to competitive cricket after leading South Africa to their maiden ICC World Test Championship crown at Lord's in June. Bavuma, 34, has recovered from the hamstring injury sustained during the WTC final and confirmed he will bat at number three behind openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram.

Bavuma is one of five players added to South Africa's ODI squad alongside veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, and top-order batters Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. After the series opener in Cairns on Tuesday, both teams will move to Mackay for the next two games to be held on Friday and Sunday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Maphaka's performance in T20s was outstanding! 9 wickets is no joke against Australia. But ODI is different ball game, hope he adapts well. SA needs good fast bowlers.
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Sarah B
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm watching this series closely. SA's young players could be future threats in ICC tournaments. Brevis especially looks dangerous with that strike rate!
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Arjun K
Bavuma's return is crucial for SA's middle order stability. But honestly, their batting still looks weak compared to Australia. Need more experienced players alongside these youngsters.
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Kavya N
That 41-ball century by Brevis was 🔥! Reminds me of young Rohit Sharma's potential. Hope he gets proper guidance and doesn't fade away like many talented players do.
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Michael C
Interesting to see SA rebuilding their ODI team. But they're making same mistake India did - too many changes at once. Need balance between youth and experience.

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