Mihlali Mpongwana made his ODI debut for South Africa against New Zealand in their ongoing Tri-Series match in Lahore on Monday, February 10. Born on May 15, 2000, he is a promising fast-bowling all-rounder known for his right-arm pace and contributions with the bat.
Mpongwana has steadily risen through the ranks in South African domestic cricket, earning a reputation for his consistent performances. His selection for the T20I squad against India highlighted his potential, and though he didn’t feature in that series, he now gets his first international opportunity in the 50-over format.
Having built his career with Western Province and captained South Africa’s Emerging Players team, Mpongwana is regarded as a future star for the Proteas. Here are five key facts about his journey so far:
#5 Led South Africa Emerging Players to Victory in Zimbabwe
In August 2024, Mpongwana captained the South Africa Emerging Players team on their tour to Zimbabwe. Under his leadership, the team won two of three List A matches and secured victory in one of the two four-day games, showcasing his ability to lead from the front.
#4 Standout All-Round Display in the 2024 Provincial One-Day Tournament
Mpongwana impressed in the 2024 Provincial One-Day Tournament, finishing as the joint-third-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets in seven matches. He also made a strong impact with the bat, scoring a century (105) in the final, proving his all-round capabilities.
#3 Named in South Africa’s Test Squad for the New Zealand Tour
Earlier in 2024, Mpongwana was selected for South Africa’s Test squad for the New Zealand tour. Though he didn’t get to play, his inclusion was a recognition of his growing stature, especially with many senior players unavailable due to SA20 commitments.
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#2 Impressive T20 Form in CSA T20 Challenge
His performances in the CSA T20 Challenge played a big role in his T20I squad selection. He finished as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 wickets at an average of 14.06, proving his effectiveness in the shortest format.
#1 Yet to Feature in the SA20 League
Despite his rapid rise, Mpongwana has yet to secure a contract in South Africa’s premier T20 competition, the SA20 League. However, with his recent international call-ups, he is now on the radar for future opportunities in the tournament.
As Mpongwana embarks on his ODI career, South African fans will be eager to see how this talented all-rounder shapes the future of Proteas cricket.
