South Africa’s youngest-ever player, Kwena Maphaka, has announced himself in style — becoming the youngest bowler from a Full Member nation to take a T20I four-wicket haul, doing it against Australia in Darwin.
Brought on after the powerplay with Australia flying at 71 for 4, the 19-year-old left-arm quick struck immediately, removing Mitchell Owen before engaging in a brief on-field exchange with Tim David.
“I told him to let the umpires umpire and focus on his batting,” Maphaka recalled according to an article in ESPNCricinfo.
David powered to 83 off 52 balls but couldn’t escape Maphaka’s grasp, falling in the penultimate over. The youngster finished with 4 for 20 — the most economical spell of the match — mixing yorkers, bouncers, and slower balls to perfection.
“It feels good to put in a strong performance after a tough series in Zimbabwe,” Maphaka said. “Belief is massive, and that’s probably what I was short on before.”
Already a Test, ODI, and T20I cricketer before turning 19, Maphaka knows he’s part of South Africa’s long-term plans. “I hate losing. I always want to come out on top. That’s been in me since I was young.”
With skill, confidence, and a growing taste for the big stage, South Africa’s teen sensation is just getting started.
