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Dewald Brevis’ Explosive Century Powers South Africa to Series-Levelling Win Over Australia in Darwin
South Africa produced a stunning comeback in the second T20I at Darwin’s Marrara Cricket Ground, with young batting sensation Dewald Brevis delivering a breathtaking unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls. The Proteas’ 53-run victory ended Australia’s nine-match winning streak in T20Is and set up a thrilling series decider in Cairns on August 14.
Proteas in Early Trouble Before Brevis’ Heroics
Winning the toss, Australia opted to field first and struck early to leave South Africa struggling at 57/3 inside the seventh over. Ryan Rickelton (14), captain Aiden Markram (18), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (10) all fell in quick succession, handing the hosts the early advantage.
However, what followed was a masterclass in T20 batting from 21-year-old Dewald Brevis. The right-hander’s innings was an exhibition of controlled aggression and fearless strokeplay. Partnering with Tristan Stubbs (31 off 22 balls), Brevis added a blistering 126 runs for the fourth wicket in just 9.3 overs.
Brevis’ Record-Breaking Knock
Brevis took particular liking to Glenn Maxwell, dispatching him for a sequence of 6, 6, 4, 6 on his way to a rapid half-century. He became the third youngest South African to reach a T20I fifty, and his acceleration thereafter was breathtaking.
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From 50 to 100 in just 16 balls — the second-fastest T20I century for South Africa.
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Fastest T20I ton ever scored against Australia.
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Strike rate of 223.21 during his innings.
Even after Stubbs’ dismissal to Adam Zampa in the 17th over, Brevis continued to dominate, steering South Africa to a formidable 218/7, their highest-ever T20I total against Australia.
Australia’s Chase Falters Despite Tim David’s Resistance
Chasing 219, Australia’s innings never quite got going. Aiden Markram struck early to remove Travis Head (5), while Cameron Green (9) fell to a sharp catch by Nqabayomzi Peter off Kwena Maphaka — a dismissal upheld by the third umpire despite a brief fumble.
Mitchell Marsh (24) and Tim David (50 off 23 balls) tried to revive the chase with a counter-attacking stand, but Corbin Bosch removed Marsh at a crucial juncture. David’s explosive knock, featuring four sixes and four boundaries, kept Australia’s hopes alive before he perished to Kagiso Rabada’s slower ball.
At 104/4 inside 10 overs, the required run rate became unmanageable. Lower-order contributions were minimal as Bosch (3-20) and Maphaka (3 wickets) dismantled the rest of the batting order, bowling Australia out for 165.
Series Poised for a Decisive Finale
The win not only levelled the series 1-1 but also gave South Africa a huge boost in confidence after their narrow 17-run loss in the opening game. The deciding third T20I will take place in Cairns on August 14, with both teams looking to seize momentum ahead of future tournaments.
For more on South Africa’s recent cricket resurgence, check out our latest Proteas match analysis.
For full scorecards and official match stats, visit the ICC website.
