On August 12, 2025, at Darwin’s Marrara Oval, South Africa delivered a dominant performance to beat Australia by 53 runs, leveling the 3-match T20 series 1–1.
They posted 218/7 courtesy of a sensational unbeaten 125 off 56 balls from Dewald Brevis. Australia, despite a quickfire 50 off 23 balls from Tim David, faltered and collapsed to 165 all out in 17.4 overs.
This article deliberates you about Match Overview: South Africa vs Australia-2nd T20, team strategies, match highlights and more.
Team Strategies
- South Africa: They chose to bat first, aiming to post a mammoth total. They supported Brevis’s aggressive innings with calculated shots from Stubbs and Rickelton. In bowling, they relied on disciplined spell execution from Bosch, Maphaka, and Rabada to keep pressure on the Aussie lineup.
- Australia: They opted to bowl first, hoping dew would soften conditions. Their top order intended to be aggressive, especially through Tim David. Despite initial intent, they couldn’t handle Brevis’s blazing cameo and lacked the consistency in their middle and lower order.
Match Highlights & Performance Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Scores | South Africa: 218/7 (20 overs) Australia: 165 all out (17.4 overs) |
| Top Run-Scorers | South Africa: Dewald Brevis – 125* (56 balls) Australia: Tim David – 50 (23 balls) |
| Best Bowlers | South Africa: – Corbin Bosch – 3 wickets (≈3/20) – Kwena Maphaka – 3 wickets (≈3/57) – Lungi Ngidi – 1/19, Kagiso Rabada – 1/21 |
| Man of the Match | Dewald Brevis – for his unbeaten 125 and game-changing impact |
| Records | – Highest individual T20I score by a South African – Highest T20I score against Australia – Youngest South African to score a T20I century – Brevis broke Faf du Plessis’s SA record (119) |
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Brevis’s 41-ball century– hit at the 41st ball turned the innings around dramatically.
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s bizarre run-out– distracted South Africa momentarily but didn’t shift momentum.
- Bosch and Maphaka’s three-wicket hauls– strangled the Australian chase.
- Tim David’s quickfire ’50‘- briefly gave Australia hope.
- Excellent fielding-including Maxwell’s catch—kept Australia under pressure.
About the Star Performer
Dewald Brevis, age 22, unleashes aggressive, exciting cricket. He operates with intent and flair—often compared to AB de Villiers (hence “Baby AB”).
Before this match, he had recently made his Test debut and notched a quickfire 51 in June 2025. With this knock, he rewrote SA T20I records and stamped his arrival as a future superstar.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s aggressive intent paid off spectacularly. Brevis surged in, dismantled the attack, and turned the game on its head. Supported by sharp bowling and agile fielding, the Proteas raised the bar convincingly.
Meanwhile, Australia might need to rethink their chase strategies and handle rising talents better. This informal, back-and-forth narrative highlights the excitement of the match, with a human voice and minimal passive phrasing. Enjoy the momentum into the decider!
FAQs
Who won the South Africa vs Australia 2nd T20?
South Africa won by 53 runs, leveling the series 1–1.
How many runs did South Africa make?
South Africa posted 218 for 7 in 20 overs.
Who scored the highest runs for South Africa?
Dewald Brevis with an unbeaten 125 from 56 balls.
What did Australia score in reply?
Australia got all out for 165 in 17.4 overs.
Who top-scored for Australia?
Tim David scored 50 off 23 balls.
Who took most wickets in the match?
Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka both took 3 wickets for South Africa.
Who was named Man of the Match?
Dewald Brevis earned it with his explosive innings.
Did anyone break records?
Yes, Brevis set multiple records: highest T20I score by a South African, highest against Australia, youngest SA centurion, and broke Faf du Plessis’s previous SA record.
Were any turning points critical?
Brevis’s blazing century, Pretorius’s odd run-out, and the trio of wickets by SA bowlers swung the match firmly in South Africa’s favor.
What’s next in the series?
The decider, 3rd T20I, will be in Cairns on August 16, followed by a 3-match ODI series starting August 19.
