Another T20I Record Crushed! What Did CSK’s Dewald Brevis Do Against Australia? Know the Story Here

South African batting prodigy Dewald Brevis showcased another T20I masterclass, hitting the quickest T20I half-century for South Africa in the series-finale against Australia at Cairns' Cazaly's Stadium on Saturday. Popularly known as 'Baby AB' for his 360-degree strokeplay inspired by AB de Villiers, Brevis mesmerized the spectators with an explosive 22-ball fifty that left the Baggy Greens stunned.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, played with bold intent, smashing huge sixes and creative shots that allowed him to use his full repertoire of shot-making. His half-century milestone broke his own record of a 25-ball half-century set only days ago in Darwin.

Shattering Long-Existing Records

Through this innings, Brevis broke several records:

• Quickest T20I fifty by South Africa (22 balls).

• Fastest fifty by an Indian in Australia, eclipsing Ravi Bopara's 23-ball achievement in Hobart (2014).

• Overtaking JP Duminy's 31-ball half-century in Melbourne in 2009, which lasted for 16 years.

South Africa appeared set to reach a score of about 200 with Brevis at the crease but his 12th-over dismissal dented momentum. He was caught by Glenn Maxwell off Nathan Ellis for 53 off 26 deliveries, having been foxed by a slower short ball.

Right from the start, Brevis came out aggressive. He started his innings with a savage cut shot for four before slicing Josh Hazlewood overhead for his first six. It was followed by a jaw-dropping display of power hitting:

• He tore into Aaron Hardie with a string of four consecutive sixes, with two of them outrageous no-look shots.

• He walked down the crease to club one delivery over long-on, then did the same again with cheeky timing over deep cover.

• He scored his fifty off only 22 balls, leaving fans and colleagues amazed.

Brevis's power of innovation and bowler domination in pressure again brought to the fore why he is one of the world cricket's most exciting young batters.

Carrying Momentum From Darwin Heroics

This record-breaking innings was the follow-up to Brevis's match-winning innings in the second T20I at Darwin, where he smashed an unbeaten 125 from 56 balls. That innings, the second quickest century for South Africa in T20Is (41 balls), was just behind David Miller's 35-ball hundred against Bangladesh in 2017.

His back-to-back fireworks against Australia highlight his increasing reputation as a match-winner and cement his image as South Africa's next big thing.

What's Next for Brevis?

Though South Africa lost momentum following his dismissal, Brevis's aggressive batting has paved the way for the new era in Proteas cricket. His IPL exposure with CSK appears to be sharpening his game, especially his ability to adapt faster and overwhelm world-class attacks.

ALSO READ: Dewald Brevis Breaks Virat Kohli’s T20I Record with Fifty Against Australia