Dewald Brevis goes big during his thrilling innings of 73 not out off just 32 balls for MI Cape Town against Pretoria Capitals. Photo: Sportzpics
Dewald Brevis, the Player of the Match in the game between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town, said he enjoyed the 142-run partnership between himself and Reeza Hendricks on Friday night.
The 21-year-old Brevis smashed 73 not out off just 32 balls (6x4, 6x6), while Hendricks hit an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls (4x4, 5x6) in the Cape side’s 27-run SA20 victory over the Capitals at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The two teams will square off once more today, but this time at Newlands in Cape Town (3.30pm start).
But MI Cape Town have already qualified for the play-offs, while the Capitals have been knocked out.
Brevis told the media afterwards that he just focused on playing to his strengths and when he tried to go big, Hendricks was there to keep him composed and vice versa.
Cape Town batted first on Friday night and exploded from the get-go, putting up 222/3 in their 20 overs.
Despite a gallant effort, Pretoria ended on 195/8, with Will Smeed top-scoring with 52 off 36 balls (9x4).
The Capitals bowlers were thrashed around the park and looked shaken in their boots as Brevis and Hendricks focused on hitting the ball straight and hard.
“There are a few things that I am focusing on. One of them is just smiling and enjoying it. I can’t give all the secrets,” Brevis quipped.
“I can’t say anything about the team... They are doing great. Everyone is just doing what they have to do.
“I think it’s the first time we were batting together, me and Razo (Hendricks), but there was a time I think I told him that I need to go down on one knee and try to sweep or hit it behind square leg.
“Then he told me ‘No, just focus on hitting straight’, and that worked well.
“On the other end when he had that beautiful six, he thought the same thing, and then I told him ‘No, let’s keep going straight’ because the bowler was under pressure and was going to miss.
“It was nice because we complemented each other well. He is a great batter, and I loved spending time with him out there. We were calm, just watching the ball and staying in the moment.”
At the start of the tournament, SA20 brand ambassador AB de Villiers named Brevis as a young star to watch ahead of the season. It would appear as though ‘Mr 360’s’ prediction came to fruition.
Brevis also struck with the ball, claiming the biggest wicket of Pretoria’s innings, Smeed.
He said he’s been working on his spin for a few years with Indian cricketer Rahul Sanghvi.
“Coach Rahul was so special because he basically lit that fire inside me in terms of my leg-spin,” Brevis said.
“He helps me a lot, and we stay in touch throughout the year. I’ve bowled thousands of bowls at IPL and here. I would like to do it at the Titans as well.
“The one thing I’m focusing on is being Dewald, and play consistently according to how I want to play. That is how I played when I got onto the scene, and even before in school.”