Embarrassed by Australia’s dominance in the first T20I, South Africa bounced back in spectacular fashion with a 57-run win at the Marrara Cricket Ground on Tuesday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
The victory — Australia’s second-heaviest T20I defeat by runs and their first home loss in the format in 10 matches — was built on Dewald Brevis’ record-breaking 125 off just 53 balls*, the highest ever score by a South African in T20Is.
I have not really thought about it, but I am extremely grateful. Just happy we won today, great to be out here on the winning side… that final wicket — that was the ultimate feeling.
SKIPPER RELIEF AS SERIES GOES TO DECIDER
South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted the win was crucial to keep the series alive.
Nice to take it to the third game´. You always worry after going 1-0 down that the third game might be for nothing. Great to get the win.
Asked to bat first, South Africa rode Brevis’ onslaught and his 126-run stand with Tristan Stubbs (31) for the fourth wicket. Brevis reached fifty in 25 balls, then launched into overdrive to get to his century in just 41 deliveries, peppering the rope with 12 fours and 8 sixes.
AUSTRALIA WILT UNDER PRESSURE
In pursuit of 219, Australia faltered early, losing Travis Head (5) and Cameron Green (9) cheaply. Tim David’s 50 was the lone bright spark, while Mitchell Marsh (22) threatened briefly before Corbin Bosch cut short his stay.
Rabada removed David with a sharp catch at cover, and from there the collapse was inevitable. Kwena Maphaka struck twice in one over, removing Glenn Maxwell (16) and Mitchell Owen (8), before Brevis himself completed a tumbling catch to dismiss Alex Carey (26).
MARSH HAILS YOUNG STAR
Australia skipper Marsh tipped his hat to the Proteas’ star of the night.
He mistimed quite a few sixes tonight (smiles). He’s a young, powerful man… an upcoming player in international cricket, and well played to him. Chasing that down was always going to be tough.
With the series now locked at 1-1, the stage is set for a fiery decider. “We played well today, so that’s great,” Brevis summed up. “Everyone played their part… it’s good to see it all pan out.”
Brief Scores: South Africa 218/7 in 20 overs (Dewald Brevis 125*, Tristan Stubbs 31; Ben Dwarshuis 2-24, Glenn Maxwell 2-44) Australia 165 all out in 17.4 overs (Tim David 50; Corbin Bosch 3-20, Kwena Maphaka 3-57). Result: South Africa won by 57 runs
