South Africa have seen numerous T20I stars over the years, with a rich history of explosive batters who have lit up the shortest format of the game. From powerful openers who set the tone to middle-order maestros who finish with a flourish, the Proteas have consistently produced players capable of delivering match-winning innings. These unforgettable innings not only showcased incredible skill but also etched their names in the record books.
Dewald Brevis blazes to record-breaking century against Australia
In a sensational display of T20 hitting, Dewald Brevis smashed a brilliant 125 not out off just 56 balls against Australia, setting a new record for the highest individual score by a South African in T20Is. The 22-year-old showcased fearless intent from the outset, combining audacious strokeplay with clean, powerful hitting. His innings was a masterclass of innovative shots and straight drives, leaving the Australian bowlers with no answer. This blistering century solidified Brevis’s reputation as a future superstar and highlighted his immense talent on the international stage.
Here are top 5 highest individual score in T20I by South African batters:
1. Dewald Brevis – Unbeaten 125 vs Australia
The top spot on this list belongs to the “Baby AB,” Brevis, who announced his arrival on the world stage in sensational fashion. In a thrilling encounter against Australia in Darwin, the youngster smashed a breathtaking unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls. His innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled hitting, as he dismantled the Australian bowling attack with 12 fours and 8 sixes. Brevis’s knock not only became the highest individual score by a South African in T20Is but also powered his team to their highest-ever T20I total against Australia.
2. Faf du Plessis – 119 vs West Indies
Prior to Brevis’s heroics, the record was held by the former captain, Faf du Plessis. In a high-scoring encounter against the West Indies at Johannesburg in 2015, Du Plessis scored an extraordinary 119 off just 56 deliveries. He reached his century in just 46 balls, displaying a perfect blend of power and precision. His innings, which included 11 fours and 5 sixes, was the centerpiece of South Africa’s formidable total of 231. Despite his incredible knock, the West Indies managed to chase down the target in a dramatic finish, but Du Plessis’s performance remains one of the finest T20I innings ever played.
3. Richard Levi – Unbeaten 119 vs New Zealand
Richard Levi burst onto the international scene with a record-breaking performance against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2012. Playing in only his second T20I, the opener hammered an unbeaten 117 off 51 balls, which at the time was the fastest century in T20I history. Levi’s innings was a brutal display of power-hitting, featuring an astonishing 13 sixes and 5 fours. His knock helped South Africa chase down a target of 174 with ease, earning him the Man of the Match award and etching his name into the record books.
4. Reeza Hendricks – 117 vs Pakistan
Reeza Hendricks’ score of 117 is indeed a significant one and deserves a place on the list. In a match against Pakistan in Centurion in December 2024, Hendricks scored a sensational 117 off just 63 balls, a brilliant knock that powered South Africa to a series-clinching victory. This innings, which included 7 fours and 10 sixes, is the second-highest individual score for a South African in T20Is.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest T20I centuries for Australia ft. Tim David
5. Morne van Wyk – Unbeaten 114 vs West Indies
In the same series where Faf du Plessis scored his epic century, Morne van Wyk also delivered a memorable hundred. In the third T20I of the series in Durban, van Wyk scored an unbeaten 114 from 68 balls. His innings, a patient yet destructive effort, featured 9 fours and 7 sixes and played a vital role in South Africa’s impressive total. It was a testament to his versatility and skill, making him one of the few South African cricketers to have a T20I century to his name.
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