Australia vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, Darwin — Brevis’ Maiden Ton Powers Proteas to Series-Levelling Win
Darwin turned into a stage for brilliance on Tuesday night as Dewald Brevis produced a sensational maiden international century to guide South Africa to a 53-run victory over Australia in the second T20I. His unbeaten 125 from just 56 deliveries was the centrepiece of a commanding batting performance that saw the visitors post 218/4 at Marrara Oval.
Australia’s reply never truly gathered momentum despite a late flourish from Tim David, and they were dismissed for 165, setting up a mouth-watering decider in Cairns.
Sent in to bat, South Africa started steadily through Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks’ replacement in the line-up, with Markram moving up to open alongside Rickelton. The pair navigated the early overs cautiously, aware of the swing on offer under Darwin’s humid night sky. Rickelton was the more aggressive of the two, finding the gaps through cover and square leg, while Markram looked to rotate strike.
Rickelton’s 14 from 10 balls provided the ideal platform, but once he departed to Ben Dwarshuis, the innings truly belonged to Brevis. Coming in at No. 3, the 22-year-old wasted little time in asserting himself. His early boundaries down the ground hinted at his timing, and by the halfway mark he was already dictating terms to the Australian attack.
What followed was one of the finest T20 innings seen on Australian soil in recent years. Brevis mixed classical drives with audacious innovation, punishing anything short with brutal pull shots and lofting anything full into the stands. The spinners, particularly Adam Zampa, bore the brunt as he cleared the rope with ease.
Batting with composure and aggression in equal measure, Brevis reached his maiden international hundred with a perfectly timed on-drive for four in the 15th over. He raised his bat to an appreciative crowd, but there was no let-up in his intent. The final three overs yielded a flurry of boundaries, including a pair of towering sixes off Josh Hazlewood that sailed deep into the stands.
Brevis finished unbeaten on 125 from 56 balls, striking 12 fours and 8 sixes, his innings driving South Africa to a formidable total of 218/4. Tristan Stubbs contributed 31 from 22 balls in support, while Ryan Rickelton’s early burst ensured the scoreboard kept ticking during the powerplay.
Australia Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 219 was always going to be a stern challenge, and South Africa’s bowlers ensured the pressure was immediate. Aiden Markram set the tone with a wicket in his opening over, angling one across Travis Head who edged through to the keeper.
At 29/2 inside the first 3 overs, Australia were reeling. Mitchell Marsh tried to counterattack, finding the boundary three times in quick succession, but his dismissal to Corbin Bosch in the Seventh over halted any momentum.
Tim David Offers Resistance
With the required rate climbing above 14 an over, Tim David launched an assault on the South African attack. His 50 from just 24 balls included Four sixes, Four of them straight over the bowler’s head. For a brief period, the home crowd dared to believe in an improbable chase.
However, Rabada returned to remove David with a cleverly disguised slower ball, effectively sealing the contest. The tail folded quickly, with Maphaka and Bosch sharing six wickets between them. South Africa closed out the innings in the 18th over to secure a comprehensive win.
Series Set for a Decider
The victory not only levels the three-match series at 1-1 but also injects real momentum into the Proteas camp. Brevis’ innings will be remembered as a breakthrough moment in his young career, while Maphaka’s composure with the new ball underlines South Africa’s growing depth in pace bowling.
For Australia, questions remain over the stability of their top order, and the middle overs’ inability to stem the flow of runs with the ball. The third T20I at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns now takes on the air of a final, with both sides knowing the margin for error has disappeared.
Match Summary — 2nd T20I, Darwin
South Africa — 218/4 in 20 overs
- Dewald Brevis — 125* (56)
- Aiden Markram — 31 (22)
- Ryan Rickelton — 14 (10)
- Maxwll — 2/44 (4 overs)
- Dwarshuis — 2/24 (4 overs)
Australia — 165 all out in 17.4 overs
- Tim David — 50 (24)
- Mitchell M — 22 (13)
- Alex Carey — 26 (18)
- Kwena Maphaka — 3/57 (4 overs)
- Corbin Bosch — 3/20 (3 overs)
Result: South Africa won by 53 runs
Series: 3-match T20I series levelled 1-1
Player of the Match: Dewald Brevis (South Africa) — 125* off 56 balls.
