BREVIS STEERS SA ‘A’ SIDE TO FIRST VICTORY

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

That was the poster Richard Williams posted up on the walls of his daughters Serena and Venus Williams when they were young. 

The duo went on to become global tennis superstars, who won 30 individual Gram Slam titles collectively, after years of hard work and dedication to their craft. 

Betway SA20 young gun, Dewald Brevis is intent on following a similar path. The 19-year-old is fully committed to fulfilling his vast potential that he has already shown glimpses of for MI Cape Town last season. 

Despite not playing a game for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League recently, Brevis worked tirelessly on his ability to play high-class spin ahead of his debut tour with the South Africa ‘A’ side to Sri Lanka. 

The youngster immediately reaped the rewards of the hard work behind the scenes with a match-winning 98 not out off just 71 balls (6×4, 7×6) on Sunday to steer the tourists to a resounding four-wicket victory in Pallekele. 

“My first innings in Sri Lanka, I really enjoy it here. There was a bit of pressure when I came in, but we had an alright start, so I just told myself to bat for a long time,” Brevis said.  

“I knew there would be a lot of spin, so I prepared myself for that. I just tried to pace it.” 

“The players and I, out there, spoke about it that the spinners would search a bit more, and that would give us more bad balls.” 

Despite his considerable achievements already at such a young age, Brevis remains humble – a further trait installed in the Williams sisters – and acknowledged the role his partner Beyers Swanepoel played in the unbroken 113-run partnership for the seventh wicket. 

“When Beyers came in, he played beautifully, he took a lot of pressure off me when I was out there. We played well together to take it over the line for the team,” Brevis added.