Overview:
Maphaka became the first teenage bowler, whether pacer or spinner, to claim four wickets against Australia in T20 cricket. The earlier record was held by Pakistan’s Shadab Khan, who accomplished the same feat in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final in Dubai.
Kwena Maphaka left a lasting impression, even though South Africa lost by 17 runs to Australia in the first T20I of their three-match series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Sunday (August 10). The 19-year-old pacer put in an outstanding performance, taking four wickets in four overs for just 20 runs.
Maphaka’s impressive spell highlighted why he is considered one of the most promising young fast bowlers in international cricket. He dismissed Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, and the in-form Tim David.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Maphaka shattered a 16-year-old record, making him the youngest pacer from a full member nation to take four wickets in a T20I. This milestone saw him surpass the previous record held by fellow South African cricketer Wayne Parnell.
Youngest Players to Claim a Four-Wicket Haul in T20Is (Full Member Nations)
| Bowlers | Age | Figures | Opponent | Year |
| Kwena Maphaka | 19 years, 124 Days | 4-20 | Australia | 2025 |
| Wayne Parnell | 19 Years, 318 Days | 4-13 | West Indies | 2009 |
| Mohammad Wasim | 20 Years, 110 days | 4-40 | West Indies | 2021 |
| Mustafizur Rahman | 20 Years, 202 Days | 5-22 | New Zealand | 2016 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 20 Years, 299 Days | 4-19 | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
Moreover, Maphaka became the first teenage bowler, whether pacer or spinner, to claim four wickets against Australia in T20 cricket. The earlier record was held by Pakistan’s Shadab Khan, who accomplished the same feat in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final in Dubai.
Youngest Bowlers to Claim a Four-Wicket Haul Against Australia in T20Is (Full Member Nations)
| Bowlers | Age | Figures | Year |
| Kwena Maphaka | 19 Years, 124 Days | 4-20 | 2025 |
| Shadab Khan | 23 Years, 38 Days | 4-26 | 2021 |
| Obed Mcoy | 24 Years, 186 Days | 4-26 | 2021 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 24 Years, 314 Days | 4-33 | 2022 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 26 Years, 150 Days | 6-16 | 2021 |
Australia managed to post a total of 178 after being reduced to 74-6. While Ryan Rickelton’s knock of 71 from 55 balls gave South Africa hope, they ultimately fell short.
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