Brevis Breaks Records and Expectations with Stunning 125 in Darwin*
South Africa's rising star Dewald Brevis delivered a breathtaking performance in the second T20I against Australia in Darwin, scoring an unbeaten 125 – the highest individual score by a South African in T20 internationals. At just 22, Brevis also became the youngest South African centurion in the format, continuing a remarkable personal journey marked by early hype, setbacks, and redemption.
The innings, which powered South Africa to a series-levelling win, was a masterclass in clean hitting, especially down the ground. Of his eight sixes, six were struck in the "V", showcasing Brevis’ natural timing and fearless stroke play.
From ‘Baby AB’ to Original Dewald
Brevis, once dubbed “Baby AB” due to stylistic similarities with AB de Villiers, has long lived in the shadow of that comparison. While initially embracing the label during his standout 2022 U19 World Cup campaign, the pressure to live up to the tag weighed heavily. After a forgettable T20I debut in 2023, where he managed just five runs, Brevis was dropped from the national side and sent back to the domestic circuit.
Far from a setback, Brevis now views that moment as a turning point.
“Being dropped was just the opportunity I needed to prove myself,” he said after his record-breaking knock.
Since his return to domestic cricket, Brevis has shattered records, including a stunning 162 in a domestic T20, and was instrumental in MI Cape Town’s SA20 title win. He also finished as the second-highest run-scorer in both first-class and List A competitions last season.
Faith, Focus and Commitment
Brevis attributes his resurgence not just to hard work, but to a spiritual reset.
“I believe God blessed me with a talent to play like that. On December 28 last year, I made a commitment—to just be the original Dewald,” he said. “Every ball, wherever it is, I just try to watch it, enjoy it, and hit it.”
His captain Aiden Markram described the 125* as a “freakish display” of talent, while Brevis himself called it a result of being true to his natural game.
Learning the Hard Way
Looking back, Brevis acknowledges the mistakes that shaped his journey: buying into the hype, playing too aggressively too soon, and ignoring senior advice.
“They told me to watch out for this, do this, do that… and I did exactly the opposite,” he admitted with a laugh. “But it’s important to go through that. That’s why I’m playing the way I am now.”
When asked about the record he broke, Brevis mistakenly credited Jacques Kallis instead of Faf du Plessis, whose 119 against West Indies in 2015 previously held the top spot for South Africa in T20Is.
“So I got it wrong,” Brevis said, laughing. “But it's obviously a privilege and an honour.”
Eyes on the Future
Despite the celebrations, Brevis is focused on consistency and improvement.
“This is just the start, if I could say it like that,” he said. “The next match is the next match. This hundred is done now. It’s a new game and anything can happen.”
If his latest innings is any indication, Dewald Brevis is not just a promise for the future—he is a force in the present.
Match Fact:
Dewald Brevis – 125 vs Australia, Darwin, August 2025*
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Highest T20I score by a South African
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Youngest South African T20I centurion