Did Brevis' Historic 125 Propel the Proteas to a 57-Run Victory Over Australia and Level the Series 1-1?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dewald Brevis scored a remarkable 125*, marking his first T20I century.
- South Africa set a challenging target of 218/7.
- Australia's loss is their second-largest in T20I history.
- Key partnerships were crucial in South Africa's innings.
- The Proteas' bowling attack dismantled Australia’s batting order.
Darwin, Aug 12 (NationPress) After struggling to match the Australian firepower in the opening match, South Africa bounced back dramatically to equalize the series at 1-1 with a stunning 57-run victory at the Marrara Cricket Ground on Tuesday. This loss marks Australia’s second-largest margin of defeat in T20Is and their first setback in the format in 10 matches.
South Africa's total of 218/7 was significantly bolstered by the explosive batting of Dewald Brevis (125*), who achieved his maiden T20I century, becoming the second-fastest and youngest player to reach this milestone in Proteas history. He also eclipsed Faf Du Plessis for the highest individual score in this format for South Africa.
Captain Aiden Markram (18) and Ryan Rickelton (14) appeared solid at the crease until Rickelton attempted a pull shot off Ben Dwarshuis, only to be caught by Tim David.
Markram soon followed, as Glenn Maxwell lured him out of position, leading to a catch by Mitchell Owen. Maxwell then took another wicket, with excellent glovework from Alex Carey, dismissing Lhuan-dre Pretorius (10).
Brevis and Tristian Stubbs (31) formed a formidable partnership, combining for 126 runs for the fourth wicket, with Brevis taking the lead in scoring. He reached his fifty in just 25 balls and accelerated to his century in a mere 41 deliveries.
Ultimately, it was Adam Zampa who broke the partnership, taking Stubbs’ wicket. Although Rassie van der Dussen (5), Corbin Bosch (0), and Kagiso Rabada (5) failed to contribute significantly, Brevis' 12 boundaries and eight sixes propelled the Proteas to a total of 218/7.
Despite Australia’s recent explosive batting, their reliability was questioned after the opening T20I, and concerns lingered following this match.
Travis Head (5) and Cameron Green (9) fell to Markram and Kwena Maphaka, respectively. Tim David (50) maintained his excellent form, while captain Mitchell Marsh (22) appeared in good touch before falling to Corbin Bosch.
Kagiso Rabada took a crucial wicket when David was unable to clear the fielder at cover.
As the chase became increasingly daunting, Maphaka struck twice, dismissing Glenn Maxwell (16) and Mitchell Owen (8), causing the match to slip away from Australia. Brevis executed a clever catch while stumbling to dismiss Carey (26) off Nqabayomzi Peter.
From there, the Proteas swiftly wrapped up the lower order, with Dwarshuis (12), Sean Abbott (1), and Adam Zampa (0) falling in rapid succession.
Brief scores:
South Africa 218/7 in 20 overs (Dewald Brevis 125*, Tristian Stubbs 31; Ben Dwarshuis 2-24, Glenn Maxwell 2-44) beat Australia 165 all out in 17.4 overs (Tim David 50; Corbin Bosch 3-20, Kwena Maphaka 3-57) by 53 runs.