A few cricket moments are etched in your memory for a lifetime. You can remember the place you were in and what you were doing and how it felt to witness the game unfold. Dewald Brevis’s record-breaking century against Australia was one of those games which didn’t just provide runs, but also a narrative, emotion and a feeling of admiration for the fans around the globe.
The Build-Up – Stage Set for Something Special
It was August 12, 2025. South Africa walked into the second T20I against Australia in Darwin aware that they needed to recover from their loss in one game. The place was buzzing with excitement and the lights were shining and the game was enormous.
For fans, the big question was simple: could South Africa break Australia’s winning streak and level the series? For Dewald Brevis, the question might have been even simpler—how can I play my natural game and make an impact?
No one could’ve guessed just how big that impact would be.
The Innings – From First Ball to History Books
Dewald Brevis, widely dubbed “Baby AB” due to his striking resemblance of AB de Villiers’s batting style, entered with great gusto. From his first over onward, his shots showed an energetic aggression–clean, confident, and fearless.
He wasn’t just looking for singles or waiting for bad deliveries; he was setting the tone. The pull shots had power, the drives had elegance, and the lofted shots over extra cover were pure artistry.
By the halfway mark of the innings, Brevis was already past his fifty, batting with a strike rate that most players dream of. He had taken on Australia’s bowlers without hesitation, sending the ball sailing into the stands again and again.
Key Highlights of the Knock:
- Runs Scored: 125*
- Balls Faced: 56
- Boundaries: 12 fours and 8 sixes
- Strike Rate: Over 220
It wasn’t just the volume of runs—it was the way they came. Every big hit felt like a statement. Every boundary seemed to push Australia further back. And yet, it wasn’t reckless cricket. Brevis mixed power with precision, picking gaps just as skillfully as he cleared the ropes.
The Records – New Milestones for Brevis and South Africa
When Brevis crossed the hundred mark, the stadium erupted. This was more than just another century—it was a record-breaking one.
- Highest Individual T20I Score for South Africa – Brevis overtook Faf du Plessis’s previous record, writing his name at the top of the charts.
- Highest T20I Score on Australian Soil – Not even Australia’s own greats had gone this big in their backyard before.
- Youngest South African to Score a T20I Century – At just 22, Brevis showed he’s ready for the big stage.
These records are impressive, but what made them special was how naturally they seemed to come. Brevis didn’t look like he was chasing milestones—he was simply playing his game.
The Turning Point – Australia Under Pressure
As the runs mounted, pressure intensified on Australia. Their bowlers tried everything imaginable – pace bowlers, spin bowlers, slower balls and yorkers-but Brevis found ways to counter their efforts.
Drop Catch of Brevis on 56 was an ill-advised decision and led to him accelerating even faster, forcing the Australians to pay for every loose delivery they were given.
South Africa recorded their highest T20I total against Australia of 218/7 to make their night truly unforgettable, but that wasn’t all! South Africa went on to post another record performance with their innings total of 244/6 against them – making this night truly special.
The Chase – Australia’s Struggle
Australia came out looking to respond aggressively. They had the firepower, but the scoreboard pressure was intense. Tim David played an enjoyable knock, but no other batsmen managed to become dominant. Wickets continued to fall until eventually South Africa were bowled out for 165 – giving South Africa an easy 53-run win that not only levelled up the series one-all but also ended Australia’s nine-match T20I winning streak.
Why Brevis’s Knock Felt Different
Cricket has seen many great T20 innings, but this one stood out. And here’s why:
Fearless Intent from Start to Finish
Brevis never went into a shell. Even as new bowlers joined his side or fielders were switched out, he kept attacking with confidence.
Balance Between Risk and Reward
It wasn’t mindless hitting. Every shot had purpose—he picked the right deliveries to attack.
Energy and Personality
As he batted, you could feel his enthusiasm for the game; this kind of excitement spread quickly throughout teammates and spectators alike.
Youth Breaking Barriers
To perform like this at 22, against one of the best teams in the world, says a lot about his mental strength.
The “Baby AB” Tag – Earning His Own Identity
Dewald Brevis has long been known by his nickname – Baby AB. While this title may seem endearing, comparisons can sometimes lead to negative repercussions – so this innings may mark Dewald Brevis’ transition out from under its shadow and towards creating his own legacy.
AB de Villiers was known for innovation and fearlessness. Brevis, in this knock, showed shades of that—but also a unique flair of his own. His ability to adapt to conditions, his shot selection, and his timing under pressure showed maturity beyond his years.
The Ripple Effect – What This Means for South African Cricket
South African cricket has been searching for consistent match-winners in the T20 format. Brevis’s performance is a huge boost to the team’s confidence.
It also sends a message to opponents: underestimate South Africa’s young guns at your own risk. With Brevis in form, the batting lineup looks far more dangerous.
The innings also brought back excitement among fans back home. Social media exploded with praise, with many calling it one of the best T20I innings in recent memory.
Lessons from the Knock – For Fans and Young Cricketers
If you’re a young cricketer watching this innings, there’s a lot to take away:
- Play Your Natural Game – Brevis didn’t change his style under pressure.
- Stay Positive – Even after playing a few dots or losing a partner, he kept looking for scoring opportunities.
- Work on Range – His ability to hit both along the ground and in the air made him unpredictable.
- Fitness Matters – Maintaining such intensity for 56 balls requires top physical conditioning.
For fans, it was a reminder of why we love this game. It’s not just about winning or losing—it’s about moments that make your heart race.
Looking Ahead – The Decider Awaits
Now that the series is tied, the final T20I promises to be an action-packed spectacle. Australia will look to redeem themselves after losing three consecutive matches while South Africa can use Brevis as motivation.
Brevis will be vital in future tournaments – his form could quickly make him one of the world’s premier T20 players if he continues batting with this same mindset.
Final Thoughts
Dewald Brevis record-breaking century-setting innings wasn’t just record-breaking – it made a statement. Youthful leadership, fearless cricket and South Africa have an exciting T20I future ahead. These dramatic innings kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish; we temporarily abandoned our scorecards in favor of enjoying cricket for its beauty alone.
As we approach the final Twenty20 International of 2025 in Darwin, one question remains unanswered: can Brevis repeat his feat from 2025? Regardless of his outcome on August 12, 2025 will remain fondly in our memories for many years to come. Watch Our Precious Match Predictions for Australia vs South Africa.