Teenage tearaway Maphaka announces himself against Australia
Teenage quick Kwena Maphaka showcased against Australia why he is one of the game's hottest prospects.
Nineteen-year-old Kwena Maphaka claimed a career-best 4/20, combining raw pace with fearless intent to give the Proteas plenty to cheer in a close contest against Australia, where they fell short in their pursuit of 179.
Maphaka struck with the crucial wickets of Tim David and Mitchell Owen, alongside tailenders Adam Zampa and Ben Dwarshuis.
On Sunday, Maphaka’s intent was clear from his fourth delivery, when he sent Owen’s off-stump cartwheeling with a 144kph rocket, having spotted the batter’s leg-side shuffle and denying him room to free his arms.
He was equally impressive against Australia’s in-form power-hitter David. In 11 deliveries to the right-hander, Maphaka conceded only 14 runs – the best return of any South African bowler – and removed him in the second-last over, caught in the deep.
Maphaka engaged in a verbal exchange with David, who is a decade older, something teammate Ryan Rickelton said was typical of the young quick.
"He's quite a fiery character," Rickelton told reporters after the game. "(But) he's very relaxed, very quiet in the change room.
"He had a bit of a go at Tim (David) there, but he's very competitive.
"He backs his ability which is great. It's cool to see a young guy stand up to Australia in their backyard. It's very promising for South African cricket.
"He's quite a relaxed guy in the change room but when he crosses that line, he's got a bit of white-line fever, which is quite exciting for us."
Maphaka also shone in the field at Marrara Stadium, taking two sharp catches in the Powerplay, both coming off Kagiso Rabada.
The first, to remove Travis Head at short third, came after a chance had gone down at point. The second required composure, with Mitch Marsh’s attempted leg-side heave hanging in the Darwin night sky for six seconds before settling safely in Maphaka’s hands.
The left-arm pacer has been rapid since bursting onto the global stage at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
The award was handed out on the back of an extraordinary haul of 21 wickets from six games at an average of just 9.71, despite being only 17 years old at the time.
The unstoppable Kwena Maphaka | U19 World Cup wicket compilation
His dominance with the ball helped propel South Africa to the knockout stages and caught the attention of franchises worldwide, earning him an IPL contract with the Mumbai Indians in 2024 before he had even played senior international cricket, following which Rajasthan Royals snapped him up in 2025.
His South Africa debut came soon after and in his maiden ODI appearance against Pakistan in December 2024, he clocked in at 151kph. Just a fortnight later, he became South Africa’s youngest Test debutant at 18 years and 270 days.
Maphaka has played in two Tests and as many ODIs, with nine more T20I outings to his name, yielding three, five and 10 wickets respectively in his short career so far.
The second T20I between Australia and South Africa is set for Tuesday 12 August in Darwin.