It wasn’t victory that lit up South Africa’s opening T20I against Australia, it was the firepower of a teenage pacer rewriting history. Though the Proteas fell short by 17 runs, 19-year-old Kwena Maphaka stole the spotlight with a spell that scorched the record books.
On the day he turned 19 years and 124 days old, Maphaka delivered a blistering four-over spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 20 runs. No bowler from an ICC Full Member nation has ever taken four wickets in a T20I at a younger age. The record he shattered belonged to fellow South African Wayne Parnell, who had held the title since 2009 with 4 for 13 against the West Indies at 19 years and 318 days.
Maphaka’s victims included Tim David who had hammered 83 off 52 balls, alongside Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, and Adam Zampa. With this feat, Maphaka became the first teenage bowler in history to take four wickets against Australia in a T20I.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Wasim ranks third on the list, having taken 4 for 40 against the West Indies in 2021 at the age of 20 years and 110 days.
While South Africa couldn’t chase down Australia’s total, Maphaka’s performance felt like a triumph of its own. His debut wasn’t just a statistical milestone, it was a statement. In a game defined by power hitting, it was the raw pace of a teenager that left the most lasting impression. South Africa may have lost the match, but they’ve found a new weapon in their bowling arsenal.
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