IPL ROUND-UP: DEWALD BREVIS AND NOOR AHMAD TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The race to the IPL playoffs has heated up with some teams falling along the way, but this has been a blessing in disguise as it has offered the opportunity for a few Betway SA20 stars to shine.

DEVASTATING DEWALD

In a riveting spectacle at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Betway SA20 Rising Star Dewald Brevis emerged as the hero of the day, guiding the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a nail-biting two-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Brevis, stepping up at a critical juncture, blasted a stunning 52 off just 25 balls, reviving CSK’s hopes after they found themselves in dire straits at 62/5 during the Power Play, chasing the Knight Riders’ total of 179/6.

With the match teetering on the brink of despair for CSK, the 22-year-old’s explosive innings featured an impressive four boundaries and four sixes, showcasing not just his skill but an unwavering spirit.

Brevis transformed the contest in the space of six balls, hitting Arora for 6, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4 in a 30-run 11th over to rush to his maiden IPL half-century off just 22 balls.

Captivated by Brevis’s performance, Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni praised the young batters' approach.

"Good to see the batters have intent, important to back yourself and play the shots that you think are your shots. These are the players that are part of our squad right now, so we have an opportunity to test them," Dhoni said.

"We are out of the tournament, so you give them a chance, see how they react. It is the approach, the mental toughness that you want to check. The most technically-correct batter does not always score the runs, if you have good awareness…there is a chance to be consistent. Thanks to Brevis, he gave us that luxury (to take it deep)."

Reflecting on his remarkable innings, Brevis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, saying: "Forever grateful. Want to thank God for giving me the talent to do this. It was an interesting innings, a few wickets fell quickly. The conditions, if you look at it, you have to sum it up as quickly as you can and then go at it.

“Just want to keep enjoying it, to play how I am playing and staying true to myself. I know for a fact that I am going to do this through the longer innings as well, so just be myself.

“It has been incredible. The fans are incredible. It is great cricket, lots of fun, a really high level."

AWESOME AHMAD

Noor Ahmad's exceptional four-wicket burst had earlier proved to be the turning point in CSK’s triumph over KKR. The match showcased Ahmad's ability to seize crucial moments, particularly after the Powerplay phase.

His remarkable bowling performance dismantled the likes of Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, setting a prominent stage for the victory.

The eighth over was pivotal in the match as Ahmad made quick work of Narine and Raghuvanshi, claiming both wickets in the space of just three balls

As the match progressed into the death overs, Ahmad did not falter; he dismissed the formidable Andre Russell and the resilient Rinku Singh, placing his team firmly on the path to victory.

“It was a superb win, really happy with the work we did as a team,” Ahmad said. “Happy with my bowling and well done to Dewald Brevis, and the way we finished at the end, it was great.”

Ahmad's focus on earning the coveted Purple Cap indicates his ambition, but he emphasised his desire to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. “I just wanted to deliver and contribute for my team - that is how it works for me,” he said.

Among his wickets, he noted that the nick from Raghuvanshi was his favourite of the night, showcasing his tactical finesse on the field. “I just try to use the length well and that is what works for me now,” Ahmad added, shedding light on his strategic approach.

LUNGI NGIDI’S DEVASTATING DEBUT

Lungi Ngidi made an immediate impact in his debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), spearheading the team's successful campaign against CSK.

Stepping in for Australian fast bowler Josh Hazelwood, Ngidi’s bold performance played a pivotal role in securing victory for RCB.

When Ngidi entered the fray, CSK seemed well on their way to achieving a comfortable target. However, the Paarl Royals pacer struck early, dismissing Sam Curran in the sixth over.

Despite a slip-up in the 16th over where Ngidi dropped a simple catch, he quickly rebounded to create chaos for CSK in the next over. The 17th over proved to be a turning point as he first sent Ayush Mhatre back to the pavilion before sending fellow Betway SA20 star Dewald Brevis back to the pavilion for a golden duck on the very next delivery.

Ngidi's final figures were nothing short of remarkable: 3 wickets for 30 runs from four overs, boasting an economy rate of 7.50.

SOLID STUBBS

In a rain-curtailed match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, there was enough time forTristan Stubbs to anchor Delhi Capitals’ recovery from, putting on 33 with Vipraj Nigam for the sixth wicket and 66 with Ashutosh Sharma for the seventh. Stubbs finished on 41 not out off 36 balls (4x4).

CRITICAL COETZEE

Gerald Coetzee was the unlikely hero for the Gujarat Titans as they celebrated a remarkable comeback DLS victory, by three wickets from the Mumbai Indians in their IPL clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Coetzee struck a critical four and straight six in his 12 from six balls which allowed Rahul Tehatiwa to hit the winning runs after a painfully prolonged evening.

TOP SA20 RUN-SCORERS IN IPL 2025

Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants) | Total: 348 runs | Best: 66 vs Rajasthan Royals (19/4/2025)

Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians) | Total: 336 runs | Best: 62* vs Kolkata Knight Riders (31/3/2025)

Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) | Total: 311 runs | Best: 71 vs Mumbai Indians (23/4/2025)

TOP SA20 WICKET-TAKERS IN IPL 2025

Noor Ahmad (Chennai Super Kings) | Total: 20 wickets | Best: 4/18 vs Mumbai Indians

Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians) | Total: 18 wickets | Best: 4/26 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (23/4/2025)

Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings) | Total: 11 wickets | Best: 3/17 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (15/4/2025)

*Ahmad is the joint leading-wicker taker in the IPL.