Australia claimed a 17-run victory over South Africa in the first T20 International at Darwin, thanks to a standout batting performance from Tim David. David’s explosive 83 runs off just 52 balls powered Australia to a competitive total of 178.
South Africa fought hard but were ultimately restricted to 161 for nine in response, falling short of the target.
Despite the loss, South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka made headlines by becoming the youngest bowler from a Full Member nation to take a four-wicket haul in a T20 International. At just 19 years and 124 days old, Maphaka surpassed the record previously held by fellow South African Wayne Parnell, who took four wickets at 19 years and 318 days during the 2009 T20 World Cup.
In the match, Maphaka dismantled Australia’s lineup by dismissing key players, including Tim David and Mitchell Owen, as well as tailenders Adam Zampa and Ben Dwarshuis. He finished with impressive bowling figures of 4 for 20 from his four overs.
Kwena Maphaka’s rise in international cricket has been swift. After being named Player of the Tournament at the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2024, he made his international debut during South Africa’s ODI series against Pakistan later that year. Maphaka also became South Africa’s youngest Test debutant at 18 years and 270 days.
Since then, the young pacer has featured in two Tests, two ODIs, and nine T20 Internationals for South Africa, showing great promise for the future of the national team.
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