Andile Phehlukwayo

Part of the squad captained by Aiden Markram that won the 2014 Under-19s World Cup, the speed of Phehlukwayo’s ascent since has not stopped

The Cricketer | 08/05/2019 at 10:58

Born: March 3, 1996

Role: Right-arm fast-medium, left-hand bat

Initially excelling in field hockey, for which he was offered a bursary to a Durban high school, Andile Phehlukwayo found cricket through his mother’s employer. It is an unusual tale, but a heart-warming one.

And still only 23, his decision to take up the sport has more than paid off. A crucial part of this South Africa squad, his late-order hitting and array of variations have seen Phehlukwayo become a versatile option with both bat and ball.

Part of the squad captained by Aiden Markram that won the 2014 Under-19s World Cup, the speed of Phehlukwayo’s ascent since has not stopped; he was the top wicket-taker for South Africa in their five-match ODI whitewash of Australia in 2016, when the all-rounder was just 20 years old.

Now an international in all three formats for his country, the future is bright for Andile Lucky Phehlukwayo.

It is a fitting middle name for a man for whom cricket was not always the ultimate dream.

This year’s World Cup could well prove to be his global breakthrough.

SOUTH AFRICA PLAYER PROFILES

Hashim Amla

JP Duminy

Quinton de Kock

Andile Phehlukwayo