Former South African fast-bowling great Allan Donald has hailed Dewald Brevis as one of the most exciting batting prospects in world cricket, saying the youngster shows glimpses of AB de Villiers while carving his own path. Fondly known as “Baby AB,” Brevis stormed into headlines last month with a breathtaking 125 off 56 balls against Australia in Darwin — the highest-ever T20I score by a South African.
At just 22, Brevis has demonstrated remarkable maturity and fearlessness in the face of top-class attacks. His record in domestic cricket further strengthens his case: more than 2,500 T20 runs at a strike rate above 150 and four centuries in first-class cricket. While comparisons with de Villiers continue because of their similar technique and the close mentorship between the two, Donald reminded that AB’s legacy remains unmatched.
“What excites me most is Brevis’ fearless approach,” Allan Donald told reporters during an SA20 media interaction. “Yes, he’s very close to AB and has been coached by him, so naturally there are similarities. But you cannot compare him directly to AB — those achievements are AB’s alone. What Brevis has already shown domestically, and now on the big stage with a hundred against Australia, proves he’s a match-winner in his own right.”
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Earlier this month, Brevis created history when he became the most expensive player in SA20 history, snapped up by the Pretoria Capitals for a staggering R16.5 million, breaking Aiden Markram’s previous record of R14 million.
Donald, who himself took 602 international wickets, believes Brevis has the potential to emerge as one of South Africa’s most impactful batters in limited-overs cricket.
“There will only ever be one AB, but Brevis mirrors his mannerisms so closely that sometimes it feels like déjà vu. Why not be inspired by a hero like AB? Brevis can do things most batters can’t — he has that special X-factor,” Allan Donald added.
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Brevis’ numbers already justify the hype. In just 11 T20Is, he has scored 341 runs at an impressive average of 37.88 and a staggering strike rate of 193.75. His IPL 2025 stint with Chennai Super Kings further showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, where he smashed 225 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 180, producing match-winning innings that shifted his career to the next gear.
With age on his side and confidence growing, Dewald Brevis looks set to become South Africa’s next global cricket superstar.
