Even in defeat, history was made. Kwena Maphaka, South Africa’s 19-year-old pace sensation, delivered a spell to remember in the first T20I of the three-match series against Australia at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Sunday.
Despite South Africa’s 17-run loss, Maphaka shone brightly, taking four wickets in his four overs while conceding just 20 runs. His victims included Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, and the in-form Tim David, who had earlier smashed 83 off 52 balls.
The young quick’s brilliance saw him break a 16-year-old record, becoming the youngest pacer from a full member nation to claim a four-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. The record was previously held by fellow South African Wayne Parnell.
Cricket analysts praised Maphaka’s exceptional control, variation, and fearlessness against a strong Australian batting lineup. “He’s got the pace, the precision, and the temperament — a future superstar in the making,” remarked a former Proteas legend.
While Australia took a 1–0 lead in the series, Maphaka’s record-breaking performance has given South African fans plenty to cheer about — and the cricketing world another young talent to watch.
