Who is Kwena Maphaka? 19-year-old South African star who stunned Australia
Kwena Maphaka: 19-year-old bowler teen sensation
South Africa may have lost the first T20I against Australia in Darwin, but the cricket world had its eyes fixed on one name — Kwena Maphaka. At just 19 years and 124 days old, the left-arm pacer tore through Australia’s line-up with a remarkable 4/20, becoming the youngest pace bowler from a Full Member nation to take a four-wicket haul in T20 internationals.
In doing so, Maphaka surpassed fellow South African Wayne Parnell, who was 19 years and 318 days old when he achieved the feat against the West Indies in 2009. The teenager’s fiery spell also helped bowl out Australia for the first time ever in a T20I.
Kwena Maphaka’s Record-Breaking Spell in Darwin
Australia had made a strong start, racing to 71 for 4 in the powerplay. Brought on after the fielding restrictions were lifted, Maphaka struck almost immediately — clean bowling Mitchell Owen to open his account.
Then came the big moments. Tim David, who had been looking dangerous, misjudged a well-directed short ball and fell to Maphaka. The youngster then dismissed Ben Dwarshuis and Adam Zampa, mixing up his pace and lengths to perfection in the penultimate over.
By the end of his four overs, Kwena Maphaka had conceded just 20 runs — the most economical figures in the match — and walked away with a career-best performance.
Kwena Maphaka’s Rise from U-19 Star to International Cricket
Kwena Maphaka’s name first shot into the spotlight during the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2024, where he was crowned Player of the Series after taking 21 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls — a first for a 17-year-old at the tournament.
His exploits caught the attention of the IPL, with the Mumbai Indians signing him the same year. By 2025, he had moved to Rajasthan Royals and also turned out for Paarl Royals in the SA20.
He became South Africa’s youngest-ever international debutant when he played against the West Indies in 2024 at just 18 years and 137 days. More recently, Kwena Maphaka was named T20 Challenge Player of the Season at the CSA Awards 2024–25.
Tactical Edge and Growing Confidence
Maphaka’s performance in Darwin wasn’t just about raw pace — it was about game awareness. He revealed that being brought on after the powerplay gave him “a little bit more freedom” to attack through the middle overs.
“When a team is coming out all guns blazing, there’s a few more opportunities to take wickets,” Kwena Maphaka explained. “It’s all about reading the game and keeping your plans simple — going to your best ball when it matters most.”
After a tough series in Zimbabwe, where he admitted to being “a little bit short on belief”, Maphaka saw the match against Australia as a turning point. “Belief is a massive part of performance… It feels really good to put in a good performance for the team and make history while doing it.”
Competitive Spirit and Future Goals
Despite his age, Kwena Maphaka is unafraid to set high expectations for himself. “I’ve always been pretty confident and a real competitor. I never like losing. I always want to come out on top of the fight,” he said.
With South Africa grooming him as a key part of their future attack, and his ability to thrive under pressure already proven, Kwena Maphaka’s career is only just beginning.
Some might say he still has much to learn. But if Darwin was any indication, the teenager isn’t just learning fast — he’s rewriting the record books as he goes.
