Dewald Brevis blasts Proteas to emphatic T20I win over Zimbabwe

Dewald Brevis produced another batting masterclass as the Proteas bounced back from their defeat to Namibia by cruising to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the T20I Tri-series in Windhoek on Saturday.

Chasing Zimbabwe’s 144/8, South Africa raced to 146/3 in just 14 overs, with Brevis following his fighting half-century against Namibia with an unbeaten 75 off 32 balls.

The 23-year-old struck seven fours and six sixes at a staggering strike rate of 234.37 as South Africa made light work of the target.

The Proteas’ bowlers had once again come under pressure in the powerplay after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, conceding 54 runs in the opening six overs.

Duan Jansen claimed the only wicket to fall during the early onslaught, dismissing Ben Curran, but the tall all-rounder took some punishment.

🚨 Change of Innings 🚨

An exciting end to the first innings as ZIM post 144/8 in their allotted 20 overs. 🏏#TheProteas will come out to bat in search of 145 runs as they look to register their first win of the T20I Tri-Series. 🇿🇦#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/lSwUoHID3j

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 29, 2026

As on Friday, South Africa’s spinners then helped wrestle back control, with Prenelan Subrayen particularly economical.

Zimbabwe reached 76/1 after 10 overs before Brian Bennett fell to Subrayen and skipper Bjorn Fortuin claimed another wicket.

Kwena Maphaka and Ethan Bosch also contributed to the squeeze, with Bosch dismissing Sikandar Raza after Jordan Hermann held an outstanding catch.

Zimbabwe slipped to 94/5 after 15 overs, with Subrayen claiming his second wicket, before Tadiwanashe Marumani provided some late impetus with 30 off 11 balls.

Jansen returned to claim two wickets in the final over to finish with 3/45, while Maphaka took 1/24 as Zimbabwe posted a competitive-looking 144/8.

Any hopes of South Africa struggling in the chase were quickly dispelled.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Jordan Hermann plundered 28 runs from the opening three overs, before Hermann fell for 20 off 13 balls.

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

A commanding performance from #TheProteas as they secure a 7 wicket victory over Zimbabwe. 🙌🇿🇦

An impressive response after yesterday’s result as #TheProteas bounce back in style and will look to build on this momentum going forward. 💪#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/EhyKtHFFul

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 29, 2026

Brevis walked in and immediately signalled his intentions, launching his first delivery for six before adding three fours in the fifth over. Pretorius contributed 22 off 13 before falling in the final over of the powerplay, but South Africa had already surged to 61/2.

Brevis then took complete control, smashing consecutive sixes off Graeme Cremer before reaching his second successive T20I half-century with another maximum.

Tony de Zorzi added 15 before falling in the 11th over, but there was little Zimbabwe could do to contain Brevis. He followed his 75 off 50 balls against Namibia with another unbeaten 75, this time from just 32 deliveries, finishing the job with a boundary in the 14th over.

The emphatic win gives South Africa a much-needed response after Friday’s disappointment and keeps their Tri-Series campaign firmly alive.

Second T20 International of Tri-Series in Namibia:

Zimbabwe 144/8 – Brian Bennett 34 (35), Tadiwanashe Marumani 30 (11). Duan Jansen 3/45, Prenelan Subrayen 2/25.

South Africa 146/4 – Dewald Brevis 75 (32), Lhuan-dre Pretorius 22 (13). Brad Evans 19/1 (2.4 overs).

South Africa won the match by seven wickets.

Any hopes of South Africa struggling in the chase were quickly dispelled.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Jordan Hermann plundered 28 runs from the opening three overs, before Hermann fell for 20 off 13 balls.

Brevis walked in and immediately signalled his intentions, launching his first delivery for six before adding three fours in the fifth over. Pretorius contributed 22 off 13 before falling in the final over of the power play, but South Africa had already surged to 61/2.

Brevis then took complete control, smashing consecutive sixes off Graeme Cremer before reaching his second successive T20I half-century with another maximum.

Tony de Zorzi added 15 before falling in the 11th over, but there was little Zimbabwe could do to contain Brevis. He followed his 75 off 50 balls against Namibia with another unbeaten 75, this time from just 32 deliveries, finishing the job with a boundary in the 14th over.

The emphatic win gives South Africa a much-needed response after Friday’s disappointment and keeps their tri-series campaign firmly alive.