Dewald Brevis, widely known as “Baby AB” for his batting style similar to AB de Villiers, is one of the most exciting young cricketers in the modern game. Born on April 29, 2003, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brevis is a right-handed batter and an occasional leg-spin bowler. At just 22 years old, he has already made a name for himself in international cricket and top T20 leagues around the world.
Early Life and U-19 Stardom
Brevis first grabbed global attention during the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Representing South Africa, he scored 506 runs in six matches, breaking Shikhar Dhawan’s previous record for the most runs in a single U-19 World Cup. His stunning performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award and paved the way for franchise opportunities worldwide.
Domestic and Franchise Career
Following his success at the U-19 level, Brevis was signed by Mumbai Indians in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) for INR 3 crore. He instantly impressed with his aggressive batting, scoring 161 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of over 140. Brevis has since played in various leagues, including:
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SA20 for MI Cape Town
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Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
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Major League Cricket (MLC) for MI New York
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Signed with Hampshire County Cricket Club for the Vitality Blast 2025
In 2025, he joined Chennai Super Kings as a mid-season replacement and continued to strengthen his reputation as a power-hitter in the IPL.
International Debut and Records
Brevis made his T20I debut for South Africa in August 2023. His breakthrough international performance came in Darwin in August 2025, when he smashed an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls against Australia, setting a new South African record for the highest individual T20I score. He also broke the record for the most sixes by a batter against Australia in Australia, surpassing Virat Kohli.
World-Record T20 Performance
In October 2022, playing for Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge, Brevis scored a jaw-dropping 162 off 57 balls, which remains the highest individual T20 score in South Africa. He also recorded the fastest 150 in T20 cricket, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls.
Playing Style and Impact
Nicknamed “Baby AB,” Brevis is admired for his 360-degree stroke play, fearless approach, and ability to clear boundaries with ease. His style combines innovation with power, making him a natural entertainer and a key figure in South Africa’s T20 plans.
Career Statistics (as of August 2025)
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T20 Internationals: 10 matches, 318 runs, highest score *125, average 38.7, strike rate over 150
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First-Class: 22 matches, 1,406 runs, 4 centuries
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List A: 25 matches, 1,065 runs, 3 centuries
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T20 Franchise Cricket: Over 455 runs in 16 IPL matches, best of 57
Future Outlook
With his fearless batting and growing experience in high-pressure environments, Dewald Brevis is set to become one of cricket’s biggest stars. His ability to adapt across formats and deliver match-winning performances has made him a valuable asset for both South Africa and T20 franchises worldwide.