Watch: Dewald Brevis is arguably the most thrilling teenage batting talent in the men’s game and he gave further cause for excitement after he compiled a fifty against West Indies’ Test attack in his first professional red-ball game.

Brevis earned an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians at the age of 18 in 2022 following his prolific returns at last year’s U19 World Cup which saw finish the tournament as its leading run-sorer.

The 19-year-old was an ever-present for the star-studded MI Cape Town who finished bottom of the first ever SA20 table, though the youngster experienced a mixed campaign scoring one fifty from 10 games and finishing the competition with a strike rate below 120. There were flashes of his talent, however, with Brevis striking four sixes in a row at one point.

Despite his early career success – or perhaps because of it – Brevis is yet to make his first-class debut. He was, however, selected to represent a South Africa Invitation XI in a three-day warm-up game against West Indies prior to their two-Test series against the Proteas.

Batting at No. 4, Brevis hit exactly 50 against West Indies’ Test-quality attack that featured the likes of Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder. Brevis’ 50 came off 64 deliveries, containing eight fours and a solitary six. There were several sumptuous drives, but the six was his most eye-catching shot, a one-handed blow over long-on off the bowling of Raymon Reifer. The game does not hold first-class status.

You can watch highlights of Brevis’ inning below:

The 1st ever 50 for Dewald Brevis in red-ball cricket at the professional level#SAXIvWI pic.twitter.com/g5p4otR5ky

— Werner (@Werries_) February 22, 2023