South African player Dewald Brevis delivered another explosive performance in The Hundred as London Spirit chased down Birmingham Phoenix’s 163-run target with ease at Lord’s. Brevis remained unbeaten on 55 off 31 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 177.41, helping Spirit reach 166/3 in just 82 balls and win by seven wickets with 18 balls to spare. The Proteas youngster was involved in a match-defining 103-run partnership from 47 balls with Liam Livingstone.
Livingstone produced the more aggressive assault, scoring 66 off 30 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, while reaching his fifty in only 21 balls. Their partnership transformed the chase after Spirit were 43/2. Earlier, Birmingham Phoenix posted 162/4 from their 100 balls, with Joe Clarke top-scoring with 73 off 42 balls, including four fours and five sixes. Sean Dickson added an unbeaten 51 off 28, but Phoenix’s total proved insufficient.
Baby AB's (as he is fondly called for his batting) latest innings also underlined his reputation as one of cricket’s most destructive young hitters.
“I love playing with Brevis”: Liam Livingstone hails South African youngster after match-winning partnership
Liam Livingstone reserved special praise for Dewald Brevis after London Spirit produced a dominant seven-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix at Lord’s. Chasing 163, Spirit reached 166/3 in just 82 balls, with Livingstone smashing 66 off 30 balls and Brevis remaining unbeaten on 55 off 31. The pair added a match-defining 103-run partnership, turning the chase into a one-sided affair. Speaking after the match, Livingstone highlighted the South African batter’s exceptional ball-striking ability. “I love playing with Brevis. He's obviously a tremendous talent. He hits the ball as clean as anyone in world cricket,” he said.
Livingstone added that it was, “Quite nice to stand at the other end and watch him go like as well.” Livingstone also reflected on Spirit's improved approach during the powerplay, saying, “The powerplay was excellent, and I thought we were great again today. It's something we’ve talked about, is trying to be really positive in the Powerplay and get ahead of the game”. He felt they achieved exactly that by putting Phoenix under pressure early. The England all-rounder was equally impressed by the atmosphere at Lord’s. “The crowd's been amazing. I've absolutely loved my time down here. To get to play four games here is pretty special,” he said, praising the crowd at the House of Cricket at the Lord's stadium.
