In the first T20 international match between South Africa and Australia, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka delivered an outstanding bowling performance. He conceded just 20 runs while taking four wickets, not allowing the opposition batsmen any chance to settle.
Sports News: South Africa’s emerging fast bowler, Kwena Maphaka, has created a new record in world cricket. At the age of 19 years and 124 days, he has become the youngest pacer from a full member nation to take 4 wickets in a T20 international match. He achieved this feat in the first T20I against Australia in Darwin.
Bowling Brilliance in Darwin
In the first T20, Maphaka took 4 wickets for just 20 runs in 4 overs. His victims were—Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, and Adam Zampa. His incisive bowling put the Australian batsmen under pressure right from the start. This performance is especially significant for Maphaka as he is still in the early stages of his international career, and this achievement marks a major step towards securing a permanent place in the South African T20 team.
Kwena Maphaka came into the limelight in the cricket world after his impressive performance in the Under-19 World Cup. Subsequently, he was bought by Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), although he was later released. Following this, Rajasthan Royals included him in their team. His pace, accurate line and length, and ability to take wickets in pressure situations have established him as a promising fast bowler.
Match Summary
In the match played in Darwin, South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first. Kagiso Rabada and Maphaka provided an excellent start with the new ball. Australia had lost 6 wickets for a score of 75 runs, with the top order completely failing. In such a situation, Tim David took charge and played an innings of 83 runs off 52 balls, including 4 fours and 8 sixes.
Thanks to David's innings, Australia scored 178 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Apart from Maphaka, Rabada took 2 wickets, while the other bowlers also bowled economically. South Africa needed 179 runs to win.
