In a night that will be remembered in South African cricket history, 21-year-old Dewald Brevis produced an electrifying unbeaten 125*, guiding his team to a commanding 53-run victory over Australia in Darwin and levelling the three-match T20I series 1-1.

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Brevis’ innings was nothing short of spectacular. His hundred came off just 41 balls — South Africa’s second-fastest T20I century — and he became the youngest South African to score a ton in the format. With 12 fours and eight towering sixes, Brevis scored 96 of his runs in boundaries, dominating the Australian attack with clean, fearless hitting.

The young star, who already owns the domestic record for the highest T20 score of 162, showed his class once again. More than half of his runs (66) were struck in the ‘V’ straight down the ground, including six sixes. Partnering with Tristan Stubbs, Brevis piled on 91 of the 126 runs in their fourth-wicket stand, turning the innings into a one-man show after South Africa had stumbled to 57 for 3 in the seventh over.

Australia’s bowlers had few answers. Four of their five conceded at over 11 runs per over, with only Ben Dwarshuis keeping things in check, giving away just 24 runs in his four overs. But Brevis’ acceleration in the 12th over against Glenn Maxwell was the defining moment — smashing three massive sixes and collecting 24 runs in the over.

By the time Brevis brought up his hundred with a pull shot off Dwarshuis, the scoreboard had already tilted heavily in South Africa’s favour. They finished on 218, their highest ever T20I score against Australia.

Australia’s chase never truly threatened. Despite Tim David’s blistering 50, which included a monster six over the stadium roof, the hosts fell behind the asking rate. David’s dismissal to Kagiso Rabada at 104 for 3 in the 10th over was the turning point. From there, wickets tumbled and the chase fizzled out at 165.

Teenage left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka and allrounder Corbin Bosch claimed three wickets each, sealing South Africa’s biggest margin of victory over Australia in T20Is.

Fielding, often South Africa’s Achilles’ heel, was sharper this time. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Nqabayomzi Peter took key catches, and Brevis himself held on to a sharp chance to dismiss Maxwell.

The series now heads to Cairns for Saturday’s decider, with momentum firmly in South Africa’s corner. If Brevis can carry even half of this form into the final game, Australia’s bowlers could be in for another long night.