During the first T20I between South Africa and Pakistan, 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka made headlines by dismissing Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam for a duck. The match, held on Tuesday at Kingsmead in Durban, saw Maphaka’s impressive bowling skills shine as he claimed one of the biggest scalps in international cricket.
Kwena Maphaka’s breakthrough moment
Making his mark in international cricket, Maphaka’s wicket of Babar came in just his second over of the match. The young bowler delivered a sharp short ball outside off stump, which Babar attempted to cut but ended up giving an easy catch to Andile Simelane at third man. Babar’s dismissal without scoring left the Pakistani side under immediate pressure, as he returned to the pavilion after facing only four balls. This performance has further solidified Maphaka’s reputation as a rising star in South African cricket. Having recently signed with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹1.5 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season, expectations are high for the young talent.
Babar Azam’s continued struggles
Babar’s early exit has raised concerns about his form, as he has struggled throughout 2024. This latest duck adds to a series of disappointing performances, including criticism for his captaincy during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Fans and analysts alike have expressed their frustration, with many taking to social media to voice their disappointment in what they perceive as a decline in Babar’s batting prowess.
Babar Azam spent 15 minutes adjusting the sight-screen, survived a run-out and still got out for a duck vs 18 yr IPL kid Maphaka.
Imagine being this bad 😭 #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/XlcLOVizSm
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 10, 2024
A batsman like Babar Azam opening in T20 cricket—doesn’t it disrespect the format?#SAvPAK
— Sandarbh Raj Gupta (@Sandarbh_raj8) December 10, 2024
Aajtak Babar azam ko run bante nahi dekha #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/wwsbmcucH4
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) December 10, 2024
Babar Azam whenever Pakistan needs him pic.twitter.com/28d9fqiYdS
— The StatPadder (@The_statpadder) December 10, 2024
Also READ: “Proper Dhoni knock” – Pakistan fans slam Mohammad Rizwan for match-losing innings against South Africa in the 1st T20I
Summary of the match
Despite a promising batting from Mohammed Rizwan and Saim Ayub, Pakistan could not reach the finish line. They fell short by 11 runs of the set 184-run target.
The Proteas’ victory was bolstered by middle-order batter David Miller, who scored a blistering 82 runs and all-rounder George Linde – 48 of 24 with the bat and 4/21 with the ball.
