South African prodigy Dewald Brevis demonstrated why he is considered as one of the most intriguing talents in global cricket, hitting a record-breaking unbeaten 125* to help the Proteas tie the T20I series 1-1 with Australia. He is fondly known as ‘Baby AB’ because of his likeness to AB de Villiers’ batting style.

Dale Steyn, a former South African pacer, praised Dewald Brevis on social media, calling him “the real f***** deal.”

Brevis’ innings lasted just 41 balls, making him the youngest South African to hit a T20I century and the second-fastest for his country, trailing only David Miller’s 35-ball century against Bangladesh in 2017. His knock included 12 boundaries and six huge sixes, turning the match around after South Africa had been reduced to 57/3 in the seventh over.

Brevis is the real fucken deal.

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 12, 2025

Australia, having chosen to bowl first, started brightly, with Ben Dwarshuis dismissing Ryan Rickelton early on, and Glenn Maxwell striking twice to put the Proteas on the back foot. But Brevis and Tristan Stubbs launched a spectacular response, amassing 126 runs for the fourth wicket.

His innings not only became the greatest individual score by a South African in T20Is, but also the highest against Australia, surpassing Ruturaj Gaikwad’s undefeated 123 from 2023. It’s also the highest T20I score ever achieved in Australia. Thanks to Brevis’ brilliance, South Africa scored a dominant 218.

In response, the Proteas bowlers struck early, dismissing Travis Head and Cameron Green, leaving the hosts floundering. Tim David fought back with a fast half-century, building on his strong performance in the first T20I, but Kagiso Rabada dismissed him with precision.

Alex Carey attempted to rally Australia late in the innings, but the goal proved too high, as they fell 53 runs short, their second-largest defeat in a home T20I. With the series tied at 1-1, the stage is set for an exciting decider in Cairns on August 16.