In just a few short years, Dewald Brevis has gone from a teenage prodigy to one of the most feared T20 batters in the world. At only 22, the Johannesburg-born sensation has already etched his name in cricket history with record-breaking performances at both domestic and international levels.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on April 29, 2003, Brevis grew up idolizing AB de Villiers, modeling his batting style on the South African legend’s 360-degree game. His flair, inventive stroke play, and fearlessness quickly earned him the nickname “Baby AB.”
His breakthrough came at the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he scored a record 506 runs – the most by any player in a single edition. Brevis notched two centuries and three fifties, claiming the Player of the Tournament award and instantly attracting global attention.
Domestic Records and T20 Brilliance
Brevis made his T20 debut for the Titans in October 2021 and quickly turned heads. In October 2022, he smashed an unforgettable 162 off 57 balls in the CSA T20 Challenge – the highest T20 score in South Africa – and the fastest 150 in T20 history, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls.
Since then, Brevis has become a globe-trotting T20 star, featuring for top franchises including:
Mumbai Indians (IPL)
Chennai Super Kings (IPL 2025)
MI Cape Town (SA20)
Kandy Falcons (LPL)
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (CPL)
MI New York (MLC)
Hampshire (T20 Blast)
International Breakthrough
Brevis made his T20I debut for South Africa in August 2023, but it was his performance in Darwin on August 12, 2025, that cemented his superstar status. Facing Australia in the second T20I, Brevis blasted an unbeaten 125 off just 62 balls, smashing 11 sixes and 9 fours. It was the highest T20I score by a South African and the fastest T20I century (41 balls) for the country.
South Africa went on to win by 53 runs, leveling the series 1–1, and Brevis walked away with the Player of the Match award. Cricket great Graeme Smith called it “a generational innings” and predicted a long, record-filled career ahead.
The Road Ahead
With the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, Brevis is seen as a key figure in South Africa’s plans. His ability to dominate any bowling attack, combined with his youth and hunger, makes him one of the most exciting prospects in modern cricket.
For now, the boy who grew up dreaming of playing like AB de Villiers is carving out his own identity – not just as “Baby AB,” but as Dewald Brevis, the game-changer.
