Dewald Brevis has always carried the aura of a cricketer destined for greatness, but in Darwin, he moved beyond potential and into record books. The 22-year-old right-hander hammered a breathtaking 125 not out in the second T20I against Australia — the highest score by a South African in the format — and in doing so, cemented his place as one of the most exciting talents in modern cricket.
The innings was not just about numbers. It was about identity, resilience, and a declaration: “I’m here now.”
From ‘Baby AB’ to the Original Dewald
When Brevis burst onto the scene during the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, his crisp stroke play and unshakable confidence earned him the nickname “Baby AB”, a nod to his idol AB de Villiers. The moniker was flattering but also a heavy burden.
His first stint in international cricket in 2023 was underwhelming — just five runs from his opening T20Is — and he was promptly sent back to the domestic circuit. It was a sobering reality check for a player the cricketing world had already placed on a pedestal.
Looking back, Brevis believes the break was a blessing. “I made a commitment to myself on 28 December last year,” he revealed after the match. “To be the original Dewald, to just watch the ball, have fun, and play my game. I believe God blessed me with this talent, and I wanted to use it my way.”
A Record-Breaking Masterclass
Against Australia in Darwin, Brevis delivered a masterclass in clean hitting — a performance so controlled and authoritative it drew praise from captain Aiden Markram, who called it “freakish.”
What stood out was not just the volume of runs, but where he scored them. More than half his tally came in the “V” — the area straight down the ground — including six of his eight sixes. This wasn’t a slog-fest; it was pure, classical ball-striking, powered by precise timing and an uncluttered mind.
“I’ve hit thousands of balls,” Brevis said, almost downplaying the achievement. “If it’s there, it happens. I don’t try to force it — I just be myself, have fun, and watch the ball.”
His 125* also made him the youngest South African to score a T20I century, surpassing a host of national greats.
Lessons from the Setback
Before this innings, Brevis had been on a tear in domestic cricket. He holds South Africa’s highest score in domestic T20s — 162 — and was a key player in MI Cape Town’s SA20 title run last summer. He also finished second in the run charts for both first-class and List A competitions, proving his adaptability across formats.
Yet, his return to the national side came not from hype but from hard-earned form and maturity.
“It’s a roller coaster,” he admitted. “You have ups and downs, but I’ve never doubted myself. I would have loved to be here earlier, but it’s all part of the journey. I had to make those mistakes the senior players warned me about.”
Some of those mistakes were mental — buying into the hype, trying to force the pace too soon — while others were simply part of learning at the highest level. “It’s important to go through that so that I could be here now,” Brevis reflected.
Humour, Humility, and a Hint of What’s Next
In a lighthearted moment after the match, Brevis was asked whose record he had broken for South Africa’s highest T20I score. “Jacques Kallis,” he answered confidently, only to be told it was actually Faf du Plessis.
“So I got it wrong,” he laughed. “But it’s obviously a privilege and an honour. I’m extremely grateful and excited for what lies ahead.”
And what does lie ahead? Brevis is keeping his eyes forward. “This is just the start,” he said. “I’ll enjoy this innings now, but the next match is a new match. Anything can happen.”
That mindset — of treating each game as a fresh opportunity — is perhaps the clearest sign of his growth since his early international struggles.
More Than Just a Century
Brevis’ Darwin innings will be remembered for its sheer audacity and class, but for him, it is more than a statistical milestone. It is a vindication of the months spent rebuilding his game, a shedding of the “Baby AB” label, and the beginning of a new chapter where he plays as himself — unapologetically and authentically.
“I’ve always believed this is where I need to be,” Brevis said. “Now I’m here.”
South African cricket has seen many gifted strokemakers over the years, but few have made as loud a statement so young. If Brevis’ words — and his bat — are anything to go by, this 125* is not the peak but the foundation for something bigger.
