With 9 fours and 8 sixes, Brevis became the first South African to score more than five sixes in a T20I against Australia. (Photo: X/@CricCrazyJohns)
South African batting sensation Dewald Brevis announced himself on the big stage with a breathtaking maiden century in T20I cricket. The 22-year-old achieved the feat in the 2nd T20I against Australia at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, rewriting multiple records in the process.
Invited to bat, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 57/3. Brevis, walking in at No. 4, turned the tide with an explosive display. He reached his fifty in just 25 balls, the fastest by a South African against Australia, before powering to a hundred in only 41 deliveries.
With 9 fours and 8 sixes, Brevis became the first South African to score more than five sixes in a T20I against Australia. His innings also broke Hashim Amla’s record of 97* for the highest score by a South African in a T20I against the Aussies.
This century also made Brevis the youngest South African batter to reach a hundred in T20 internationals. Making his T20I debut in 2023—ironically against Australia in Durban—Brevis has quickly established himself as a clean striker of the ball.
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Before this innings, his T20I record stood at just over 220 runs in 9 matches at an average of above 30 and a strike rate nearing 190. This knock not only cemented his place but also positioned him as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket.
Brevis's power-hitting exploits in franchise cricket, including the Indian Premier League, where he plays for the Chennai Super Kings, have propelled his ascent to stardom. His ability to convert franchise success into global domination was demonstrated by his performance versus Australia.
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Brevis's appearance could not have come at a more favorable moment for the Proteas. South Africa has been looking for a middle-order hitter who is both aggressive and reliable as the T20 World Cup draws near. Brevis's ability to bear pressure and alter a match on his own was demonstrated throughout this innings.
Cricket analysts believe his blend of composure and aggression will make him a key weapon in South Africa's batting lineup, especially against a strong bowling attack like Australia's.
Brevis's knock provides the Proteas with momentum and offers them hope that their youthful guns can step up in crucial situations as they look to the rest of the series.
His century in Darwin is not only a significant personal achievement; it might serve as the impetus for South Africa to compete against the greatest in the shortest format in the world.
