Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

South African emerging pacer Kwena Maphaka became the center of attention with his remarkable performance against the West Indies in Potchefstroom in the ongoing U-19 World Cup.

Maphaka’s impressive bowling figures of 5/38 earned him the Player of the Match award. Moreover, particularly his unique celebration style reminiscent of Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘I don’t know’ gesture, characterised by outstretched hands, also caught widespread attention.

Following the completion of the match, Maphaka shared his thoughts on choosing the ‘I don’t know’ celebration. He reflected his admiration for India’s premier speedster Bumrah. He also displayed a sense of confidence in his abilities as a left-arm pacer.

“I actually asked my brother for a celebration to give me just before the World Cup. And he just said ‘I have no clue. I don’t know’. I said, ‘You know what, that sounds good. Let me go with the ‘I don’t know’ celebration,” said Maphaka in the post-match presentation.

He has also a message for star Indian pacer Bumrah.

“Jasprit you’re a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you,” said the emerging pacer of South Africa.

However, Maphaka’s over confidence at such a tender age has stunned fans across the globe.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Maphaka has got mixed reactions for his statement on various social media platforms.

“Keep dreaming chocolate boy,” wrote a fan on Instagram.

“Kwena maphaka is a real future superstars in making man he is just 17 years of age,” wrote another fan.

Reacting to Maphaka’s statement, a third user commented, “Jassi jaisa koi nahi.”
 

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