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Graeme Smith Hails Dewald Brevis' "Best Hundred" in Emotional SA20 Final

Former South Africa captain and SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith hailed Dewald Brevis' sensational 101 in the SA20 final as one of the best centuries seen across formats in years. Smith was emotional watching Brevis single-handedly lift Pretoria Capitals to 158/7 from a precarious 1/2. He also praised Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs for their match-winning partnership that secured Sunrisers Eastern Cape their third title. Smith emphasized the players' intense hunger to win, breaking perceptions about franchise cricket and declaring SA20 the strongest league outside the IPL.

Key Points: SA20 Final: Smith Lauds Brevis Ton, Calls League Best Outside IPL

  • Brevis' lone-warrior 101 in final
  • SEC wins 3rd SA20 title
  • Smith impressed by player passion
  • Franchise cricket myths broken
  • SA20 termed best outside IPL
3 min read

Graeme Smith hails Brevis' lone-warrior ton in SA20 final, lauds players' passion, intensity in season 4

Graeme Smith hails Dewald Brevis' century in SA20 final, praises players' passion and intensity, declaring SA20 the best league outside the IPL.

"one of the best hundreds they have seen across all formats in many, many years - Graeme Smith"

Johannesburg, January 28

Former South African captain and SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith hailed young Proteas batter Dewald Brevis for his valiant century in the final of the fourth season of SA20 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape, pointing out that this season, there was a lot of hunger in players to win.

The SA20 season 4 was a memorable one as Brevis pulled his side out of trouble from a position of 1/2, smashing a 56-ball 101 with eight fours and seven sixes, single-handedly taking his side to 158/7. Pretoria Capitals had SEC on the ropes at 48/4, but sensational knocks from Matthew Breetzke (68) and skipper Tristan Stubbs (63*) took the side to six wicket win with four balls left in hand, giving them their third SA20 title.

Speaking during a 'Media Day' felicitated by SA20 after the tournament, Smith said that the final was an emotional affair lauded Brevis, Breetzke and Stubbs, three rising stars of Proteas' Gen-Next for their performances. He even pointed out that how he had a chat with a "traditionalist of the game" and he termed it as "one of the best hundreds across all the formats in many, many years".

"It was emotional, especially when you see how Brevis played in the final. I chatted to him briefly after the game, but I have not had much time with him because it has been manic. I was speaking to someone who is very much a traditionalist of the game, and they said it was one of the best hundreds they have seen across all formats in many, many years. He played an incredible innings and almost single-handedly got his team to that total. With four overs to go, it looked like the Capitals' game, but Stubbs and Breetzke played brilliantly in the final overs to get the Sunrisers home," he said.

Smith said that during the final and the tournament in general, the player's passion and hunger to win left him impressed, breaking many myths about franchise cricket not being the most serious form of cricket. He went on to term SA20 as the "best league outside the IPL".

"What stood out for me was the passion. Sometimes, people think players do not care about franchise cricket, but this season we saw the hunger to win. Players were intense, there were competitive moments, and fans truly got behind their teams. That passion was incredible to see. You could see what it meant to the Sunrisers, and how disappointed the Pretoria Capitals were. That tells me we are building a very strong and credible league, and I would say the best league outside the IPL," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Smith calling it the "best league outside the IPL" is a huge compliment, but also shows where the benchmark is. The passion and intensity he mentions are exactly what makes the IPL so special. Good to see other leagues catching up and creating competitive cricket.
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Ananya R
As an Indian cricket fan, it's thrilling to see young talent like Brevis, Breetzke, and Stubbs shine. This is great for world cricket. Maybe we'll see some of them in the IPL auctions soon? Their performances deserve a big stage.
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Rohit P
Respect to Graeme Smith for building this league. But I have to say, calling it the best outside IPL feels a bit premature. What about the Big Bash or the Hundred? The cricket was fantastic, no doubt, but let's see the consistency over a few more seasons.
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Priya S
The final sounded like a proper thriller! A lone century in a losing cause always tugs at the heartstrings. Brevis must be so proud. This is why we love T20 cricket - the drama is unmatched. Hope he gets more opportunities for South Africa.
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Karthik V
Smith is right to highlight the players' hunger. When fans see that passion, they connect with the league. SA20's success is good for the global game. More strong leagues mean more competitive cricket for us to enjoy year-round. Jio Cinema should stream it in India!

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