Dale Steyn drops F-bomb praise as Dewald Brevis smashes record T20I ton

Dale Steyn drops F-bomb praise as Dewald Brevis smashes record T20I ton (Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images and Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

South African youngster Dewald Brevis showcased why he is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in world cricket, smashing a record-breaking unbeaten 125* to help the Proteas level the T20I series 1-1 against Australia. He is fondly nicknamed ‘Baby AB’ for his resemblance to AB de Villiers’ batting style.

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn dropped an F-bomb on social media, hailing Brevis as “the real f***** deal.” Brevis’ innings came off just 41 balls, making him the youngest South African to score a T20I century and the second-fastest for his country, behind David Miller’s 35-ball ton against Bangladesh in 2017. His knock featured 12 boundaries and six towering sixes, turning the match on its head after South Africa had been reduced to 57/3 in the seventh over.

Australia, having opted to bowl first, started well with Ben Dwarshuis dismissing Ryan Rickelton early, while Glenn Maxwell struck twice to put the Proteas on the back foot. But Brevis, along with Tristan Stubbs, launched a remarkable counterattack, adding 126 runs for the fourth wicket.

His innings not only became the highest individual score in T20Is by a South African but also the highest against Australia, surpassing Ruturaj Gaikwad’s unbeaten 123 in 2023. It also stands as the highest T20I score ever recorded on Australian soil. Thanks to Brevis’ brilliance, South Africa posted a commanding 218.

In reply, the Proteas bowlers struck early, removing Travis Head and Cameron Green to leave the hosts struggling. Tim David fought back with a brisk half-century, continuing his fine form from the first T20I, but Kagiso Rabada ended his resistance with a well-executed dismissal.

Alex Carey tried to rally Australia late in the innings, but the target proved too steep, and they fell 53 runs short, their second-biggest defeat in a home T20I. With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling decider in Cairns on August 16.

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