In the course of 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, noticed Maphaka’s spectacular bowling expertise shine as he claimed one of many largest scalps in worldwide cricket.
Kwena Maphaka’s breakthrough second
Making his mark in worldwide cricket, Maphaka’s wicket of Babar got here in simply his second over of the match. The younger bowler delivered a pointy quick ball exterior off stump, which Babar tried to chop however ended up giving a straightforward catch to Andile Simelane at third man. Babar’s dismissal with out scoring left the Pakistani aspect below instant strain, as he returned to the pavilion after dealing with solely 4 balls. This efficiency has additional solidified Maphaka’s status as a rising star in South African cricket. Having lately signed with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹1.5 crore forward of the IPL 2025 season, expectations are excessive for the younger expertise.
Babar Azam’s continued struggles
Babar’s early exit has raised issues about his type, as he has struggled all through 2024. This newest duck provides to a collection of disappointing performances, together with criticism for his captaincy through the T20 World Cup earlier this yr. Followers and analysts alike have expressed their frustration, with many taking to social media to voice their disappointment in what they understand as a decline in Babar’s batting prowess.
Babar Azam spent quarter-hour adjusting the sight-screen, survived a run-out and nonetheless bought out for a duck vs 18 yr IPL child Maphaka.
Think about being this dangerous 😭 #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 every time Pakistan wants him pic.twitter.com/28d9fqiYdS
— The StatPadder (@The_statpadder) December 10, 2024
Additionally READ: “Correct Dhoni knock” – Pakistan followers slam Mohammad Rizwan for match-losing innings in opposition to South Africa within the 1st T20I
Abstract of the match
Regardless of a promising batting from Mohammed Rizwan and Saim Ayub, Pakistan couldn’t attain the end line. They fell quick by 11 runs of the set 184-run goal.
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.
