South African batter Dewald Brevis smashed his country’s T20 run-scoring record overnight, as the Proteas beat Australia by 53 runs in the second match of the series in Darwin’s Marrara Oval.

Brevis scored 125 runs not out, off 56 balls, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes in the process. His score helped South Africa reach a total of 218/7 after 20 overs. He overtook the previous record of 119 set by former captain Faf du Plessis a decade earlier.

Australia struggled to chase down their total after being dismissed for 165 after 17.4 overs. South Africa has now levelled the series with the score being 1-1 and has ended Australia’s unbeaten streak.

Brevis reached his maiden T20 century in 41 balls. He spoke after the game and said he wanted to “go out there, enjoy it and have fun.”

Tristan Stubbs was the next highest run scorer for South Africa as he made 31 runs off 22 balls batting alongside Brevis.

Tim David was the only shining light for Australia as he made his second 50 in consecutive matches with a strike rate of 208.33.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was a late out and was replaced by the Australian test team’s keeper Alex Carey, who went on to make 26 runs off 18 balls.

Australian T20 captain Mitch Marsh gave his credit to South Africa and said that chasing down their total of 218 “was always going to be tough.”

The decider of the series will be played at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns this Saturday. 

Photo: Post-match press conference.