Smith, Maphaka earn maiden Proteas call-ups for T20 series against Windies

Jason Smith in action for the Dolphins in the CSA T20 Challenge (Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

• The Proteas have named a 15-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. 
• Dolphins all-rounder Jason Smith and Lions quickie Kwena Maphaka have earned maiden call-ups.
• The three-game series runs from 23-27 August.
• For more news on the Proteas, visit our dedicated section.

Dolphins all-rounder Jason Smith and Lions fast bowler Kwena Maphaka have received their maiden call-ups to the Proteas.

SA white-ball coach Rob Walter on Tuesday included the duo in a 15-man squad for the three-game T20I series against the West Indies later this month.

Smith is a hard-hitting middle-order batsman who shone for the Dolphins in the 2023/24 CSA T20 Challenge. He scored 51 in the final against the Lions and scored 291 runs in the competition at an average of 41.57 and a strike rate of 134.10. He is also a handy medium pacer bowler.

The 18-year-old Maphaka, meanwhile, was part of the U19 Men’s World Cup 2024 squad and played a pivotal role in the junior Proteas’ semi-final finish with his Player of the Tournament haul of 21 wickets at an average of 9.71. He also made his domestic T20 debut for the Lions and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.

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“We’re excited to have Jason and Kwena join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up,” Walter said.

“Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience.”

Opening batsman Aiden Markram retains the Proteas T20 captaincy.

Meanwhile Lions spinner Nqaba Peter, who made his T20I debut against the West Indies in May, has been ruled out of the series as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

“Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block that is related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues,” Walter added.

“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players. It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to the last time we played against the West Indies in May.”