Makhaya Ntini (born 6 July 1977) is a South African former professional cricketer who represented his country across all formats of the international game. A genuine right-arm fast bowler, he is historically significant as the first black player to play for the South African national cricket team, a milestone achieved in the years following the country's readmission to international cricket.
| Full name | Makhaya Ntini |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 July 1977 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Role | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Test debut | Against Sri Lanka |
| ODI debut | Against New Zealand, 1998 |
| Last international match | Against India, 2011 |
| Fastest recorded delivery | 151 kph (around 94 mph) |
Ntini emerged as a fast-bowling prospect in South Africa during the 1990s, a period when the national team was rebuilding its identity after the end of apartheid-era sporting isolation. His selection for the senior side marked a notable moment in the diversification of South African cricket.
Ntini made his One Day International debut against New Zealand in 1998 and his Test debut against Sri Lanka. In the same year, he was a member of the South Africa squad that won the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, an early ICC limited-overs tournament held in Bangladesh.
Over the course of his career, Ntini established himself as a frontline strike bowler for South Africa. He rose to second place in the ICC Test match bowling ratings, reflecting his standing among the leading Test bowlers of his era. He became the third South African cricketer to take 300 Test wickets, following Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald.
His pace was a defining feature of his bowling, with his fastest recorded delivery measured at 151 kph (around 94 mph). He played his final international match against India in 2011.
Ntini's career carries both sporting and social significance. As the first black cricketer to represent South Africa at international level, his selection and longevity in the national side were seen as important markers in the transformation of the sport in the country. His record of 300 Test wickets places him among South Africa's most successful Test bowlers.
His son, Thando Ntini, was named in South Africa's squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in December 2017, continuing the family's association with South African cricket.
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