South Africa defeated Australia by 53 runs in the second T20I of the three-match series at Darwin. Dewald Brevis’s blazing century helped South Africa post a total of 218/7. Unlike previous matches when Australia chased targets easily, they were bowled out for 165 today and lost the game. Corbin Bosch (3 wickets for 20 runs in 3 overs) and Kwena Maphaka (3 wickets for 57 runs in 4 overs) bowled effectively, helping South Africa level the series.
Brevis Record-breaking Performance
Dewald Brevis delivered a record-breaking performance by smashing South Africa’s highest-ever individual T20I score and becoming the youngest South African to score a hundred in the format. His century came in just 41 balls — the second-fastest by a South African in T20Is — as he guided the team to their biggest total against Australia and squared the series 1-1.
Brevis already holds the domestic T20 record for the highest score (162) and now adds another milestone in only his ninth T20I. On Tuesday, he hammered 12 fours and eight sixes, collecting 96 runs in boundaries. His dominance was clear, especially down the ground, with 66 of his runs coming in the ‘V’ area, including six maximums.
Partnering with Tristan Stubbs, Brevis scored 91 of the 126 runs in their fourth-wicket stand. He was dropped on 56 — a mistake that proved costly for Australia.
Australia’s Bowling Struggles
Four of Australia’s five bowlers conceded more than 11 runs per over, with Ben Dwarshuis the lone exception, giving away just 24 runs in four overs. But his effort wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from setting a huge target.
Australia’s nine-match winning streak while chasing came to an end, and it was their first loss to South Africa in seven meetings. To win, they would have needed the highest successful T20I chase on Australian soil — something they couldn’t achieve.
The Brevis-Maxwell Showdown
Brevis lifted South Africa from 57 for 3 in the seventh over to a commanding position. At 12 off eight balls, he had already cleared Glenn Maxwell for six, but his real assault began in the 12th over.
By then, he was on 44, and with Stubbs giving him the strike, he brought up his fifty by smashing Maxwell for another big hit over long-on. Moments later, he hammered a full toss over cow corner, and after a missed catch by substitute fielder Matt Kuhnemann, Brevis hit a third six in the same over. Maxwell’s 12th over cost 24 runs, and Brevis rocketed from 50 to 100 in just 16 deliveries.
South Africa Misses Out on 220+
At 179 for 3 after 16 overs, South Africa looked set to cross 220. However, wickets fell quickly — Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, and Corbin Bosch departed in quick succession. In the final 10 balls, Brevis added 21 more runs, and South Africa finished on 218, just shy of their goal.
Sharper Fielding from South Africa
South Africa improved their catching after dropping four in the first match. Lhuan-dre Pretorius held a well-judged catch to remove Travis Head, while Nqabayomzi Peter’s diving effort to dismiss Cameron Green was confirmed clean by the third umpire.
Although Stubbs dropped Tim David — his second spill of the series — he later made amends by catching Mitchell Marsh. Brevis also took a fine running catch to dismiss Maxwell for 16.
Tim David Threatens, Rabada Ends the Chase
Tim David injured his shoulder trying to stop a Brevis boundary but batted aggressively. He hit boundaries off his first three scoring shots and launched a massive six over the stadium roof. His half-century gave Australia hope at 104 for 3 in the 10th over. However, Kagiso Rabada dismissed him at cover, shifting the game firmly in South Africa’s favor.
South Africa eventually secured a 53-run victory — their biggest T20I win over Australia.