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Confident Kwena Maphaka Shines Despite South Africa’s Defeat to Australia in T20I Series Opener
Young Pace Sensation Impresses in Darwin
South Africa may have fallen short in the first T20I against Australia at Darwin, but 19-year-old left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka delivered a performance that demanded attention. Returning figures of 4 for 20, Maphaka became the youngest fast bowler from an ICC full member nation to claim four wickets in a men’s T20I. He also set the record for the best T20I bowling figures by a teenage bowler against Australia.
While statistics tell part of the story, it was Maphaka’s confidence, competitive spirit, and skill execution that truly stood out. Facing a strong Australian lineup, he showcased not only raw pace but also variations and mental composure beyond his years.
A Record-Breaking Spell with Flair
Pace, Variation, and Attitude
Maphaka’s bowling was more than just numbers on a scorecard. Sporting a gold chain that danced as he charged in, his fluid and powerful action troubled Australia’s batters from the start. He blended express pace with well-disguised slower balls, keeping the opposition guessing.
Speaking after the match, Maphaka said:
“I’ve always been pretty confident. I back my skill, and I’m a real competitor. I never like losing, and I always want to come out on top. That’s something I’ve had in me since I was really young.”
However, his self-belief hasn’t always been unwavering. Earlier in the year, during South Africa’s tour of Zimbabwe, he struggled for rhythm and wickets. He admitted that belief was lacking then, but in Darwin, his mindset was clearer: keep things simple, back your best ball, and trust the game plan.
Read more on South Africa’s T20I team development
Learning from Setbacks, Rising with Confidence
From Zimbabwe Struggles to Australian Breakthrough
In Zimbabwe, Maphaka bowled 22 wicketless overs in a Test match and conceded heavily in the subsequent T20I series. But in Darwin, everything clicked. His line, length, and zip returned, helping him dismantle Australia’s top order.
One of his key battles came against Tim David, who smashed an 83 off 52 balls to rescue Australia’s innings. Against Maphaka, however, David’s strike rate dropped significantly to 127.27, compared to 168.30 against the rest of the South African attack. The youngster conceded only two boundaries to David — a six over midwicket and a cover-driven four.
When David questioned a delivery’s height, Maphaka didn’t hesitate to remind him to “let the umpires deal with umpiring” and focus on batting — a show of competitive fire against a player over a decade older.
Australia Hold Nerve for a 17-Run Win
While Maphaka’s heroics lit up the match, Australia still came out on top. From 75/6 in the eighth over, David’s onslaught carried them to 178 all out. South Africa, despite a promising start in the chase, couldn’t cross the line, falling 17 runs short.
Maphaka’s determination shone again after a dropped catch denied him David’s wicket earlier. Undeterred, he pitched one up in the slot next over, drawing a miscue that was safely pouched by Tristan Stubbs. This resilience — the ability to bounce back after setbacks — could well be the hallmark of a future cricketing great.
Learn more about Kwena Maphaka’s cricketing journey on ESPNcricinfo
