The cricketing world witnessed a jaw-dropping display of batting brilliance on August 12, 2025, as Dewald Brevis produced a once-in-a-lifetime innings to power South Africa to a commanding 53-run win over Australia in the 2nd T20I at Marrara Oval, Darwin. This win not only leveled the three-match series at 1–1 but also reinforced the Proteas’ reputation as one of the most explosive T20 sides in modern cricket.
From the very first ball, this clash had all the hallmarks of a high-octane contest — aggressive batting, fiery pace bowling, brilliant fielding, and a record-breaking innings that will be talked about for years to come.
Toss and Team News
Australia, coming off a confident win in the 1st T20I, opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The decision was driven by Darwin’s humid conditions and the possibility of dew in the second innings. South Africa made no changes, showing faith in their XI, while Australia brought in an extra fast bowler to counter the Proteas’ batting firepower.
Playing XIs:
- South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
- Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood.
Proteas’ Batting Explosion – Brevis Steals the Show
South Africa’s innings got off to a steady start, with Quinton de Kock finding early boundaries but falling in the 4th over. At 38/1, in walked Dewald Brevis, nicknamed “Baby AB” for his fearless strokeplay.
What followed was nothing short of a batting masterclass.
Brevis’ Record-Breaking Knock
- Score: 125* off 56 balls
- Strike Rate: 223.21
- 4s: 11 | 6s: 9
- Fastest Century: Reached 100 in just 41 balls – the fastest by a South African against Australia.
- Highest Individual T20I Score for South Africa
- Highest T20I Score on Australian Soil
Brevis combined orthodox drives with audacious scoops, reverse sweeps, and massive straight hits. His ability to disrupt line and length left Australia’s bowlers searching for answers. He particularly targeted Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis, plundering 24 runs off one Zampa over.
The support cast was equally impressive — Aiden Markram’s 29 off 17 balls kept momentum high, while David Miller’s cameo (18 off 8 balls) ensured South Africa capitalized fully on the death overs.
Final Score: South Africa 218/7 in 20 overs.
Australia’s Bowling Struggles
Australia’s decision to chase backfired. The usually disciplined Josh Hazlewood went for 48 runs in his 4 overs, while Nathan Ellis was the most economical (2/33). Adam Zampa, so often Australia’s T20 trump card, ended with figures of 0/54, his most expensive spell in international T20s.
Australia’s Run Chase – Bright Start, Sudden Collapse
Chasing 219 was always going to be a stiff task, but Australia began aggressively. David Warner and Travis Head took 16 off Kagiso Rabada’s first over, setting the tone. However, Rabada struck back with Warner’s wicket, and soon after, Lungi Ngidi dismissed Head.
Tim David’s Lone Fight
Amid the fall of wickets, Tim David played a blistering hand — 50 off just 23 balls — keeping Australia in the hunt. His six-hitting ability momentarily worried the Proteas, but when he holed out to deep midwicket, the momentum shifted completely.
Glenn Maxwell’s attempt to counterattack ended with a miscued slog, and Mitchell Marsh’s dismissal to Corbin Bosch effectively sealed the fate of the match.
Australia was bowled out for 165 in 17.4 overs.
South Africa’s Bowling Brilliance
Defending a big total is never easy in modern T20 cricket, but the South African pacers executed their plans to perfection.
- Corbin Bosch: 3/27 (3 overs) – Used the short ball effectively to trouble Australian batters.
- Kagiso Rabada: 2/33 – Delivered crucial powerplay breakthroughs.
- Lungi Ngidi: 2/29 – His slower balls deceived well-set batters.
- Marco Jansen: 1/28 – Used his height to extract bounce.
Tabraiz Shamsi went wicketless but was economical in the middle overs, tightening the screws during Australia’s chase.
Key Moments of the Match
- Brevis vs Zampa Showdown – Brevis smashed 3 sixes and 2 fours in a single Zampa over, swinging the momentum South Africa’s way.
- Powerplay Blitz – South Africa scored 64 runs in the first six overs, their highest ever in Australia.
- Tim David’s 23-ball Fifty – Gave Australia a slim chance before he fell at the wrong time.
- Rabada’s Early Strikes – Warner’s wicket was a turning point, silencing the home crowd.
- Bosch’s Double Blow – Removing Maxwell and Marsh ended Australia’s hopes.
Post-Match Reactions
Dewald Brevis (Player of the Match):
“I just wanted to express myself. The plan was to take it deep, but when the ball was in my zone, I went for it. This is special, especially against a world-class team like Australia.”
Aiden Markram (South Africa Captain):
“Brevis was exceptional. We wanted intent from ball one, and the guys delivered. The bowlers executed perfectly under pressure.”
Mitchell Marsh (Australia Captain):
“Credit to South Africa. Brevis was on another level today. We need to regroup quickly for the decider.”
Statistical Highlights
- Brevis’ 125* is the 4th-highest T20I score ever.
- Fastest century by a South African against Australia (41 balls).
- Australia conceded 200+ runs in a home T20I for only the 3rd time.
- Tim David’s 50 is the fastest by an Australian against South Africa (23 balls).
- South Africa hit 20 sixes in the innings — a new team record against Australia.
Series Context and What’s Next
The series now stands at 1–1, setting up a thrilling decider in Cairns on August 15, 2025. Both teams will have lessons to take forward:
- South Africa: Will want to carry forward their aggressive batting template and sharp bowling strategies.
- Australia: Need to tighten their bowling lengths and find a way to contain South Africa’s middle-order hitters.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup around the corner, this series serves as a crucial testing ground for both sides.
Why This Match Will Be Remembered
- Brevis’ innings will go down as one of the most destructive in T20I history.
- The match reminded fans why cricket between Australia and South Africa is always box-office entertainment.
- It showcased the next generation of cricketing talent capable of dominating at the highest level.
Final Scorecard:
South Africa: 218/7 (Brevis 125*, Markram 29; Ellis 2/33)
Australia: 165 all out (Tim David 50; Bosch 3/27, Rabada 2/33)
Result: South Africa won by 53 runs. Series level 1–1.
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