South Africa Levels T20 Series with 53-Run Win Over Australia
South Africa levels the three-match T20 series against Australia with a thrilling 53-run win, thanks to Dewald Brevis' record-breaking century.
“Everyone played their part, whatever it was. We took our catches, the guys nailed their plans, and it was just great...”
South Africa has leveled the three-match T20 series against Australia, securing a 53-run win in the second match held at the Marrara Stadium in Darwin. Dewald Brevis was the star of the show, smashing an unbeaten 125 runs off 56 balls, the highest score by a South African batsman in T20 Internationals. This record-breaking knock helped South Africa post 218-7, despite a top-order wobble.
Brevis' Record-Breaking Knock
Brevis' innings was marked by 12 fours and 8 sixes, showcasing his incredible batting skills. He broke several records, including Ruturaj Gaikwad's record for the highest individual score against Australia in T20Is. Brevis' knock was not only impressive but also crucial in setting up South Africa's win.
Australia's Struggle
In response, Australia struggled to chase down the target, with Tim David scoring 50 off 24 balls being one of the few highlights. Despite their efforts, Australia fell short, scoring 165 runs in 18 overs. Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi took crucial wickets, restricting Australia's scoring opportunities.
Next Match
The series now heads to Cairns for the third and final match, where Australia will aim to bounce back and win the series. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and clinch the series.
Australia's Nine-Match Winning Streak Ends
Australia's nine-match winning streak came to a dramatic end as they were bowled out for 165 runs in 17.4 overs. South Africa's bowlers played a crucial role in restricting the Australian team to a low score, ultimately winning the match by 53 runs.
South Africa's night. Dewald Brevis' night 👏🇿🇦#AUSvSA SCORECARD ▶️ https://t.co/QklbC9jMT0 pic.twitter.com/yd91k0L8Fd
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 12, 2025
Dewald Brevis' Thoughts on Breaking the Winning Streak
Player of the match Dewald Brevis humbly expressed his gratitude after the win. When reminded of his record-breaking performance, Brevis said, “I haven't really thought of it like that, to be honest, but I'm just extremely grateful to God and it's been great.” Brevis' innings included 125 runs off 56 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. His impressive performance helped South Africa post a total of 218/7 in 20 overs, setting up a challenging target for Australia.
“You obviously want to win and come back stronger after the first game, so that was fantastic.
“Everyone played their part, whatever it was. We took our catches, the guys nailed their plans, and it was just great.”
South Africa's Top-Order Wobble
South Africa's innings got off to a brisk start, but they quickly lost their way, slumping to 57-3 within seven overs. Australia's bowlers, led by part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell, played a crucial role in South Africa's collapse. Maxwell, who opened the attack with Josh Hazlewood, claimed two key wickets, including that of skipper Aiden Markram, who was caught at mid-off for 18 runs.
Maxwell's Impact
Maxwell's spell continued to trouble South Africa, as he removed Lungi Ngidi's partner, Lhuandré Pretorius, stumped for 10 runs in his next over. Maxwell's economical bowling and clever spin troubled the South African batsmen, giving Australia a glimmer of hope in the match. However, Dewald Brevis' explosive knock later in the innings changed the course of the game.
Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubb formed a crucial partnership, with Brevis unleashing a spectacular counter-attack to propel South Africa forward. The 22-year-old phenom blasted his way to a record-breaking 41-ball hundred, his maiden T20 International century, showcasing his incredible batting prowess. Brevis remained unbeaten, finishing with 125 runs off 56 balls, his knock adorned with eight towering sixes and 12 fours.
Brevis' Record-Breaking Innings
Brevis' century is now the fastest by any player against Australia in T20 Internationals, and the second-fastest for South Africa in the format. He also became the youngest South African to score a T20 International hundred, breaking Richard Levi's record. Brevis's innings helped South Africa post 218-7, their highest-ever T20 International total against Australia.
Impact of Brevis' Knock
The partnership between Brevis and Stubbs added 126 runs for the fourth wicket, South Africa's second-highest stand against Australia in T20Is. Brevis's knock not only showcased his skill but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. His century propelled South Africa to a 53-run win, leveling the T20 series against Australia.
Australia's Early Wobble
Australia's innings got off to a shaky start, with opener Travis Head falling prey to Aiden Markram's part-time spin in the second over. This early setback seemed to set the tone for the rest of the match, as Australia struggled to build momentum.
Kwena Maphaka's Crucial Wickets
Teenaged left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka made a significant impact, claiming crucial wickets for South Africa. Despite conceding five fours in his first over, Maphaka composed himself to take the important wicket of Cameron Green and later removed Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Owen, further denting Australia's batting lineup.
Tim David's Half-Century
Tim David showed his batting prowess, scoring 50 runs and hitting his second half-century of the series. However, despite his efforts, Australia's constant loss of wickets derailed their chase, ultimately leading to a 53-run defeat at the hands of South Africa.
Next Match
The two teams will meet again on Saturday, August 16, for the decisive third T20 match at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, Australia. The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM local time, and fans are eagerly awaiting the thrilling conclusion to the series.
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