Australia’s nine-match T20I winning streak came to an end in dramatic fashion on Tuesday as Dewald Brevis powered South Africa to a 53-run win in Darwin to level the three-match series at 1-1. The Aussies, led by Mitchell Marsh, had been in red-hot form. They entered this series off the back of a 5-0 sweep against West Indies and a victory in the first T20I over South Africa, taking their streak to nine straight wins — the longest in their T20I history. The run saw them join Pakistan and New Zealand in the record books, although they were still behind Afghanistan and India’s benchmark of 12 consecutive wins. Uganda holds the all-time record with 17 in a row.Most Consecutive Wins in T20Is (All Teams)
- Uganda – 17*
- Spain – 15*
- Japan – 14
- Malaysia – 13
- Bermuda – 13
Most Consecutive Wins in T20Is (Test-Playing Nations)
- Afghanistan – 12
- India – 12
- Australia – 9
- Pakistan – 9
- New Zealand – 9
- England – 8
But on this night, Brevis stole the show. The 22-year-old smashed an unbeaten 125 off 56 balls, breaking Faf du Plessis’ South African record for the highest T20I score. His innings, filled with eight sixes and 12 fours, helped the visitors post 218-7.
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Australia’s chase started with intent as Tim David blasted 50 off 24 balls, but once he fell, the innings fell apart, and the hosts were bowled out for 165 in 17.4 overs. South Africa’s young quick Kwena Maphaka was again among the wickets, taking 3-57, while the fielders backed him up with some sharp catching. Australia, in contrast, were sloppy, dropping Brevis when he was on 56 — a mistake they would regret. The final T20I will now decide the series before both teams move on to the ODIs.
