Dewald Brevis showed calmness and maturity as he scored an unbeaten 46 to keep the Titans’ winning momentum as they beat the Dolphins by 7 wickets in the CSA T20 Challenge.
There were definitely some questions about how Brevis would handle the step up to domestic cricket. He came straight from a historic World Cup tournament with the South Africa U19s. The 18-year-old rising talent ended the U19 World Cup campaign with 506 runs, which saw him become the highest ever individual run-getter in a single U19 World Cup tournament, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan by a single run.
In his first game for the Titans, he opened the batting with Quinton de Kock, and immediately the youngster was put in a tricky situation, losing both De Kock and Theunis de Bruyn early. Although the Titans still won the match, Brevis only contributed 23 runs on that day.
Two days later, the day after he was picked up for approximately R6 million by 5-time IPL winners the Mumbai Indians, Brevis came in to bat for the Titans with his side on 53-1. They were chasing the Dolphins’ total of 134/4.
After looking comfortable, De Kock (26) was next to fall to put the Titans down 2 for 64 runs with 11 overs left. Klaasen was also dismissed early, after 16 runs, and it was left to Dewald to take his team home.
He looked a lot more relaxed at his natural No 3 position, and although he wasn’t timing all the slower deliveries as sweetly as he’d have liked, the 46* off 30 balls in a winning run chase should give him essential confidence.
There were some excellent shots played by the youngster. But the second last boundary off Daryn Dupavillon which he hit straight down the ground into the stands leaving the Titans with 2 needed off 16 runs, was the pick of his shots played for me.
He hit four to win the game, finishing with 2 sixes and 4 fours. More importantly, he backed himself to finish the game off quickly with consecutive boundaries.
This win handed the Titans their 3rd in a row and put them temporarily in 2nd position with 12 points after four games.
Sibonelo Makhanya must also get credit for playing his part in the chase and sticking with Brevis, with an 11-ball 21.
David Miller’s 57 off 40 balls was also impressive for the Dolphins.
