South Africa’s young batting star Dewald Brevis produced a record-breaking performance to guide his side to a convincing 53-run win against Australia in the second T20 International on Tuesday. The result leveled the three-match series at 1-1.
Australia captain opted to bowl first after winning the toss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. South Africa responded with an imposing total of 218 for 7 in their 20 overs, with Brevis delivering one of the most memorable innings in the format’s history for his country.
The 22-year-old right-hander scored an unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls. He reached his hundred in only 41 deliveries, playing a mix of powerful shots and precise placements. His innings included boundaries to all parts of the ground, keeping the Australian bowlers under pressure from the outset.
Brevis’ knock broke several national and international records. He now holds the highest individual score in a T20 International for South Africa, surpassing the 119 scored by former captain Faf du Plessis against the West Indies in 2015.
He also became the youngest South African to score a T20I century, breaking the record set by Richard Levi in 2012. Levi was 24 when he achieved the milestone against New Zealand. At 22, Brevis has set a new benchmark for South Africa’s emerging cricketers.
Another milestone was his status as the first player in history to score a T20I century against Australia on their home soil. No batter from any country had achieved this feat before, making Brevis’ innings a significant moment in the format’s history.
Brevis received support from other South African batters, who ensured the scoreboard kept moving. However, it was his aggressive and confident batting that stood out, with his strike rate remaining above 220 for most of the innings.
In reply, Australia needed a strong start to chase down 219. Their innings, however, never gathered the required momentum. South Africa’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, preventing any major partnerships. The home side was eventually bowled out for 165 in the final over.
South Africa’s bowling attack shared the wickets, with both pace and spin contributing to the pressure on the Australian lineup. Fielding efforts were sharp, with several well-judged catches and quick ground fielding further tightening the visitors’ grip on the game.
The 53-run victory means South Africa have a chance to secure the series in the decider scheduled for Saturday. The team will carry significant confidence into the final match, buoyed by Brevis’ heroics and the disciplined bowling display.
Cricket analysts have praised Brevis’ innings as one of the finest ever played by a South African in the shortest format. His ability to dominate a strong Australian bowling attack in their own conditions has drawn attention from fans and former players worldwide.
The series, now tied, sets the stage for an exciting finale. For South Africa, Brevis’ rise adds fresh hope ahead of upcoming international assignments. For Australia, the loss raises questions about their ability to contain aggressive top-order batting in T20 cricket.
The final match of the series will decide the winner, but Brevis’ name is already etched into South African cricket history. His unbeaten 125 will be remembered as a turning point not only in the match but possibly in his career.
