Youngster Dewald Brevis‘s outstanding century helped South Africa win the game and tie the three-match T20I series at Darwin’s Marrara Stadium. Alex Carey and Sean Abbott were added to the playing XI for this match after Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and decided to bowl first. Additionally, the Proteas changed their lineup in two ways.
Ryan Rickelton and captain Aiden Markram gave South Africa a strong start, scoring 34 runs in the opening three overs. But Glenn Maxwell, an Australian great, scored twice in quick succession to put the home team back in the game. By the end of the powerplay, Australia had taken three wickets.
Then, for the fourth wicket, Dewald Brevis, who was born in Johannesburg, joined Tristan Stubbs at the crease.
Following an outstanding 126-run partnership off 57 balls, Adam Zampa removed Stubbs for 31. The 22-year-old youthful player, meantime, kept stabilising the innings and led the visiting team through with ease.
Brevis recorded the second-fastest T20I century by a South African batsman and became the third-youngest player to reach fifty or more. The Proteas’ first century stand against Australia in eleven years occurred during the fourth wicket partnership.
With an undefeated 125 off 56 balls, 12 fours, and 8 sixes, Brevis defeated Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 123* to record South Africa’s greatest individual T20I score. Against Australia, South Africa scored 218 points, their highest-ever T20I total. Ben Dwarshuis and ace all-rounder Glenn Maxwell both claimed two wickets for the Australian team that was hosting.
The Mitchell Marsh-led team lost two fast wickets early in their chase of the 219-run goal. The innings was then stabilised by Tim David and skipper Marsh, with David reaching a quick 50 off 24 balls and Marsh adding 22 off 13. South Africa kept control despite their best efforts, limiting Australia’s run pace and keeping them from catching up.
In the end, South Africa won by 53 runs after Australia was knocked out for 165. With three wickets apiece, Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch spearheaded the bowling attack. South Africa tied the series 1-1 with this victory. On Saturday, August 16, the third and final Twenty20 International will be played at the same location.
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