[imagesource: SuperSport / @ImTanujSingh]

AB de Villiers was a once-in-a-generation talent.

In fact, there’s a strong argument to be made that he’s the most talented cricketer (or sportsman) to grace any field over the past decade.

To saddle a young player with the title of ‘Baby AB’ is to really pile on the pressure, but Dewald Brevis doesn’t seem too fussed.

We’ve already seen his six-hitting prowess on display in the IPL during his debut season for the Mumbai Indians. On that occasion, Brevis made 49 off 25.

Yesterday, the onslaught just kept going and going and Brevis smashed a number of South African and international records.

His 162 off 57 balls is the highest by a South African batter in men’s T20s and the third highest anywhere in the world (Chris Gayle’s 175 not out sits atop that list), and his 52-ball 150 is the fastest by any batter in T20 cricket.

Let’s remember that Brevis is still a teenager and will only turn 20 next April.

His sensational innings powered the Titans to 271 in their 20 overs, which is the highest T20 total in the country and the fourth highest by any team in men’s T20s.

Some credit should go to the Knights who didn’t roll over and responded with 230 in their 20 overs, making yesterday’s T20 the most runs ever scored in a T20 match (501).

There were more records to celebrate but I think you get a sense of the uniqueness of what transpired yesterday in Potchefstroom.

The great man himself was at a loss for words.

Dewald Brevis. No need to say more

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) October 31, 2022

It’s not by chance that the two share such a striking resemblance, reports Cricinfo:

“From young – and still now – I watch lots of videos even on Instagram about AB and all these guys, [as to] how they hit the ball,” Brevis [said].

“And I like AB’s natural bat swing. And back in your head, you you get a visual of how the ball goes, how the bat falls and everything. So I try to watch as most as much as possible, and to just also be myself.”

SuperSport has yet to upload an official highlights package but there are plenty of clips on Twitter to enjoy:

Hang this Dewald Brevis no-look six in the Louvre

Incredible shot 😳🔥#CSAT20Challenge pic.twitter.com/HfRAm6PJY0

— Nqobile Ndlovu (@CashNSport) October 31, 2022

You don’t need to look when you middle it like this:

DEWALD BREVIS YOU ARE A GENIUS!!#DewaldBrevispic.twitter.com/IH8YvwSu21

— Cricket Videos🏏 (@Crickket__Video) October 31, 2022

Dewald Brevis mad knock – 162(57) pic.twitter.com/OEVnTDUMR5

— MJ🍳 (@mjnotout) October 31, 2022

Dewald Brevis 35 balls hundred.#CSAT20Challenge#DewaldBrevispic.twitter.com/gAlXLu7lFh

— Cricket Videos🏏 (@Crickket__Video) October 31, 2022

Much like de Villiers, Brevis is also dynamite in the field.

The Knights’ first wicket came after this dance with the boundary rope:

We’re witnessing greatness 🤩

Dewald Brevis’ talent knows no bounds!

What a catch! 👐#CSAT20Challenge pic.twitter.com/pbnLZVror9

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 31, 2022

That catch was no fluke and Brevis has already pulled off a number of sensational catches during his brief career:

Dewald Brevis is also a gun fielder.pic.twitter.com/UznfKt7Dp8

— Cricket Videos🏏 (@Crickket__Video) October 31, 2022

Ship him off to Australia right now and get him in the T20 World Cup team for Temba Bavuma, right?

Sorry, but I have to disagree. Bavuma should really be dropped but it’s Reeza Hendricks, who has consistently performed on the international T20 stage, who deserves his spot.

Before yesterday’s assault, Brevis averaged just 24 in T20 cricket. I’d love to see him smashing it to all parts in Australia but the T20 World Cup rolls around every two years and his time will come:

“This is a next stepping stone,” Brevis said. “I believe that the people in control they know the best. Everything works out as it should. This is where I have to be. I have to do this. This is part of my journey. I am at the right place where I need to be. We never know what happens.”

It is understood that South Africa do want the teenager in their squad, but first they’d like him to get through a season of domestic cricket.

The Proteas already have the firepower of Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs in the top six, with Aiden Markram and whoever opens with de Kock able to act as ‘anchors’ if necessary.

By the way, people of the Mother City, Brevis will play for MI Cape Town in the upcoming SA20 tournament. Newlands will not be big enough.

[source:cricinfo]