Brevis blitz powers South Africa to series-levelling win in Darwin

Dewald Brevis smashed an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls to power South Africa to a 53-run victory over Australia in the second T20I at Darwin's Marrara Cricket Ground.

After South Africa were put in to bat, they were 57/3 in the seventh over. Brevis turned the match on its head with a breathtaking innings, adding 126 runs for the fourth wicket with Tristan Stubbs (31 off 22 balls).

Brevis's strike rate of 223.21 reflected the carnage he inflicted on the Australian bowling attack. He was particularly severe on Glenn Maxwell, hitting him for four sixes and four fours en route to a half-century. Brevis recorded the second-fastest T20I ton for South Africa and the fastest against Australia.

South Africa's total of 218/7 was their highest T20I score against Australia.

Australia's reply was riddled with hiccups. They lost Travis Head (5) and Cameron Green (9) early. Mitchell Marsh and Tim David started the recovery job with a 48-run stand before Marsh was caught. David kept the chase on with a 23-ball fifty but fell soon after reaching the milestone.

At 104/4 inside the tenth over, Australia's chase started to derail. Corbin Bosch and Mphaka picked three wickets apiece.

South Africa won by 53 runs. The series now moves to Cairns for the decisive third T20I on August 14.

Brief Scores:

South Africa 218/7 (Dewald Brevis 125) beat Australia 165 all out (Tim David 50; Corbin Bosch 3-20) by 53 runs