The SA20 enjoyed a successful launch at Newlands on a picturesque Tuesday evening, as a capacity crowd was treated to a cricketing exhibition by their representatives, MI Cape Town, and their young talent, Dewald Brevis.
Dewald Brevis lit up the opening day of the #Betway #SA20 with this kind of ball striking 🥶 pic.twitter.com/HP2HXwVObz
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 10, 2023
Following anxious anticipation for the launch of South Africa’s brand-new, high-profile T20 League, the day finally arrived. It was to be the Cape Town-based, IPL-owned franchise that would have the honour of playing host to the inaugural match. The competitors, their neighbours from the Boland, Paarl Royals.
On paper, the hosts had a proper advantage. More strike bowling options and much, much more explosive batters. The latter was proved by the youthful opening batting pair of Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton. Together, the youngsters raked in 90 runs, which would ultimately set up an eight-wicket win.
Paarl Royals failed with the bat
While Batting first, the Paarl Royals failed at putting pressure on the MI Cape Town bowlers. This was partly due to the fact that the Capetonian bowlers put in an immaculate shift.
The English International, Jofra Archer, playing in his first competitive match in nearly two years, hit his straps from the get-go. His English teammates, Jason Roy and Jos Buttler, whose services were acquired by the Paarl side, had no chance when facing up the paceman.
Archers’ efforts, assisted by Olly Stone and Duan Jansen, helped restrict the visitors to 142 for 7. A target that was, unfortunately, never going to be enough to defend against a dangerous MI Cape Town batting line-up.
Dewald Brevis – Can he get a Protea call-up now?
The night would belong to Dewald Brevis. The youngster played with the maturity of a current-aged AB de Villiers. He gave the Newlands crowd ample opportunity to earn a slice of the R1 000 000. Should a spectator catch a ball hit for six with one hand, they will get a piece of the prize.
Brevis charged MI Cape Town to victory. He had the honour of hitting the winning run. That saw him end the match unbeaten on 70 from 41 deliveries, where he hit four fours, and five sixes.
The public votes were tallied and your #Betway #SA20 Player of the Match is @MICapeTown's @BrevisDewald! pic.twitter.com/8B7ybhuI7T
— SA20_League (@SA20_League) January 10, 2023
An incredible cricketer is Brevis, in incredible form, who set the table for an incredible SA20 tournament.
The next match will be played on Wednesday, 11 January 2022, where the Durban Super Giants host the Joburg Super Kings. Play starts at 17h30.
