Dewald Brevis Shines as South Africa Defeats Zimbabwe

Dewald Brevis needed only 32 balls to rip the contest away from Zimbabwe. By the time he walked off unbeaten on 75 in Windhoek, South Africa’s second-string side had turned a potentially tricky chase into a training drill.

Chasing 145 in the second match of the Tri-Series, South Africa cruised to 146 for three with a hefty 38 balls to spare, responding emphatically after their defeat to hosts Namibia the previous day.

This was supposed to be an examination for a depleted squad, with most of the regulars rested. Brevis treated it like an opportunity. He attacked from the outset, clearing the field and shredding any early tension in the chase. Zimbabwe’s total, competitive on paper, suddenly looked light.

Zimbabwe had earlier made a brisk start of their own. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran raced to an opening stand of 45 in 5.1 overs, Bennett compiling 34 from 35 balls, Curran a lively 24 from 12. For a brief spell, South Africa’s inexperienced attack looked vulnerable.

Then the spinners tightened the screws.

Prenelan Subrayen and Bjorn Fortuin dragged the innings back with the control of seasoned operators. Subrayen struck twice and finished with 2-27 from his four overs, while Fortuin’s 1-25 kept Zimbabwe pinned through the middle phase. Boundaries dried up, the tempo sagged, and the early promise faded into 144 for eight from 20 overs.

At the other end of the spectrum stood Duan Jansen. The tall fast bowler, twin brother of South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen, endured a mixed second international outing. He leaked runs but kept coming, and his persistence brought reward: 3-45 from four overs, expensive but decisive in trimming Zimbabwe’s lower order.

Once the spinners had reset the tone and Jansen had chipped away, the platform was there for South Africa’s batters to respond. They did so with authority. Brevis led the charge, and the chase never truly felt in doubt.

For Zimbabwe, the early surge with the bat and the eventual stutter will sting, especially with another test looming. They stay in Windhoek to face Namibia in the third match of the Tri-Series on Monday, needing an answer to the questions this South African fightback has just posed.