Hall, Tahir, Wiese, Abbott and Maphaka (Source: @ICC, @PoppingCreaseSA, @NightwatchmanXI/X.com)
The battle between Australia and South Africa is always top class. Be it the batters, bowlers, or fielders, someone eventually puts their hand up as both these rivals fight till the end in cut-throat encounters over the years.
In the recent game between Australia and South Africa, Kwena Maphaka impressed one and all with his left-arm pace, picking four crucial wickets against the dominant Australian side. Therefore, let us have a look at the best bowling figures by South African bowlers against Australia in T20I cricket.
5. Andrew Hall - 3/22, Johannesburg, 2006
At number five on this list is former South African pacer Andrew Hall, who bowled a brilliant spell of 3/21 in his four overs against the Australian side back in 2006 in Johannesburg, in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter.
South Africa batted first and scored a decent total of 201 runs on the board, and in reply, Australia fought back hard only to lose by two runs as they could only manage 199 runs. Hall only gave away runs at an economy of 5.5 while dismissing three of their main batters: Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Brad Hogg.
2. Imran Tahir - 3/21, Durban, 2016
Now, moving to the joint second player on the list is former South African leg spinner, Imran Tahir. Known for his wild celebrations, Tahir once bowled an extraordinary spell of 3/21 in his four overs against Australia back in 2016 at Durban.
It was the first T20I of the series, and Australia batted first to score 157 runs on the board, while Tahir came strong with the ball, dismissing Aaron Finch, Peter Nevill, and John Hastings.
In reply, South Africa gave a fitting reply as they won the game by three wickets and four deliveries to spare. Tahir has always been known for his variations, as his flighted deliveries put batters in trouble, which was evident in this game.
2. David Wiese - 3/21, Sydney, 2014
Another player on the joint second list is former pace-bowling all-rounder David Wiese. Wiese also bowled a spell of 3/21 in his four overs against the Kangaroos in Sydney back in 2014.
It was another thrilling encounter between these two rivals, as Proteas batted first and posted 145 runs on the board, only for Australia to chase it down with just one delivery and two wickets to spare in an intense encounter in the third T20I of the series.
During the second innings, both Wiese and Robin Peterson pitched three wickets apiece, however, Wiese was way more economical, giving runs at an economy of just 5.25, as he only conceded 21 runs in his four overs while bowling 12 dot balls.
His three wickets in this game consisted of former Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson, and Pat Cummins. Wiese was quite reliable with the ball, as he, with his accurate line and length would decimate the batters with his skillful variations.
2. Kyle Abbott - 3/21, Adelaide, 2014
And the final player on the joint second position is former pacer Kyle Abbott. In the same series where Wiese delivered his brilliant spell, Abbott rocked the Australians in the first game of the series in Adelaide. The right-arm pacer picked up similar figures of 3 for 21 in his four overs.
Australia batted first and scored 144 runs for the loss of 6 wickets after the end of their 20 overs, only for South Africa to chase it down with six deliveries and seven wickets in hand, where Rilee Rossouw scored a brilliant 78.
In the first innings, Abbott grabbed crucial wickets of Shane Watson, Nathan Reardon, and Ben Cutting to halt Australia to a below-par total. Abbott was quick off the blocks, and he would always put the batters under trouble with his skidy deliveries.
1. Kwena Maphaka - 4/20, Darwin, 2025*
Finally, moving to the number one player on the list is the newly joined left-arm pacer, team sensation Kwena Maphaka. The 19-year-old, who has done wonders in Under-19 cricket, is making a name for himself in international cricket too, that too against the top-tier side in Australia.
In the ongoing first T20I of this three-match T20I series, Maphaka bowled an exceedingly well spell of 4 for 20 in his four overs, in Darwin. Australia scored 178 in the first innings, as they were bowled out, despite Tim David's 83 off just 52 deliveries.
One of the major roles played from the African side was by the young Maphaka, who grabbed wickets of Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshius, Tim David, and Adam Zampa.
His variations and left-arm pace caused some problems for the home side, as they lost wickets at regular intervals to him, putting a pause on their scoring rate. At this tender age, Maphaka has been doing wonders, and is highly likely to become a household name in the coming years if he continues to perform like this.
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