AUS vs SA, 1st T20I: 19-year-old Kwena Maphaka breaks records with 4/20

In the AUS vs SA, 1st T20I at Marrara Cricket Ground, South African pacer Kwena Maphaka, just 19, made history with a stunning performance, claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs.

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South African pacer Kwena Maphaka broke multiple records in the first T20I against Australia at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. His incredible spell is now the best-ever bowling figure by a South African against Australia in T20 Internationals.

Kwena Maphaka shines with the ball

Maphaka, who is only 19 and playing just his ninth T20I, was instrumental in restricting Australia to 178 all out in their 20 overs. He was brought into the attack in the seventh over as the fourth-change bowler and quickly made an impact by dismissing key batsmen Mitchell Owen.

He then dimissed Ben Dwarshuis in the 15th over of the match, caught at out to mid-off. However, the most imporant wicket was of Tim David, whom he got out in th 19th over. Maphaka then finished his spell with the wicket of Adam Zampa, cuaght at backward square leg.

Read Also: WATCH: Mitchell Marsh starts T20I series in style with first-ball six vs South Africa

What happened eariler in the match?

South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bowl first. Kagiso Rabada was on fire from the start, dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head early. Meantime, Lungi Ngidi dismissed dangerous Cameron Green to break Australia's backbone.

Despite losing four wickets early in the inning, it was Tim David’s explosive 83-run knock off 52 balls, featuring eight sixes, that helped Australia reach 178 in the first inning.

Meantime, Maphaka’s bowling provided South Africa with control and momentum. The young pacer also contributed in the field, taking catches to dismiss Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh.

Records made by Maphaka

Maphaka’s 4/20 is not only a personal best but also surpasses previous record by Kyle Abbott, Imran Tahir, and David Wiese and became the first South African bowler to take four wickets against Australia in T20Is.

Moreover, he also became the youngest South African bowler to take a four-wicket haul in T20Is.

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