Hailing from the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Andile Phehlukwayo, a seam-bowling allrounder, first made his name in an entirely different sport. Although he was part of the Under-12 provincial side, his scholarship to Glenwood High School, the alma mater of Steven Jack, came through hockey. Phehlukwayo's classmates were surprised when they discovered his cricketing ability, which has mostly come to the fore with ball in hand.

Phehlukwayo was part of the South Africa Under-19 team for the World Cup in 2014, but only featured in one match. He was also part of the Dolphins squad that played in the 2014 Champions League T20. Still 18, he appeared out of his depth in the four matches he played, but the experience boded well for his future at the franchise.

In the 2015-16 season, Phehlukwayo was the Dolphins' leading wicket-taker in the 20-over competition, in which they reached the final. He took 12 wickets in as many matches at 21.75 and earned a place in the South African XI that played against the touring England side in Kimberley.

He was then included in the South Africa A side that toured Zimbabwe and Australia that winter, and excelled in both the first-class and the limited-overs fixtures. His career-best 5 for 62 bowled South Africa A to victory over Zimbabwe A in an unofficial Test, and he was the team's leading wicker-taker in the quadrangular 50-over competition in Australia, in which South Africa A finished third.

In September 2016, at the age of 20, Phehlukwayo was named in South Africa's ODI squad for home series against Ireland and Australia. He impressed on his maiden outing and was the top wicket-taker for South Africa in their 5-nil ODI sweep against Australia. A groin injury suffered in the domestic T20 competition later that year sidelined Phehlukwayo temporarily but he returned to play in series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand and in the Champions Trophy. His ability to hold his nerve at the death became particularly notable, especially in T20 cricket.

In June 2016, with just 24 first-class games to his name, Phehlukwayo was included in South Africa's Test squad for the four-match series in England.
Firdose Moonda