Kwena Mapahaka Sends Warning To Indian Batters: It is the first semi-final of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa as the hosts take on India and shots are already being taken even before the match started. South African pacer Kwena Maphaka has sent out a strong message to the Indian batters.

17-year-old Kwena has been one of the most eye-catching players in the tournament. The left-arm quick has taken 18 wickets in just five matches with a stupidly low average of 9.56. His on-the-money yorkers and ability to swing the ball in have garnered comparisons to Kagiso Rabada.

Kwena Mapahaka Sends Warning To Indian Batters

Ahead of the clash, Maphaka had an interaction with the ICC. In the interview, the topic of a U-19 tri-series between India, Afghanistan and South Africa was brought up. In that series, the Boys in Blue defeated South Africa twice.

Kwena, however, did not give much thought to those losses. He then sent out a strongly-worded message to the India U-19 side, saying –

“Usually, the more you face someone, the more comfortable it gets, but I am going to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the Indian batters in the semi-finals.”

https://www.icecric.news/kwena-mapahaka-sends-warning-to-indian-batters/

The left-arm pacer then went on to discuss how surreal it would be to play in front of their home crowd and have the entire nation backing his team at such a young age.

“Having the whole country come to back you would be truly insane. The vibe is very different, you know [when the crowd’s behind you]. It’s something that pushes me,” said Kwena Maphaka

After topping Group B with wins over Scotland and the West Indies, South Africa finished second in their Super 6 group behind Australia and secured their position in the semi-final against the winner of the other Super 6 group, India.