Prior to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, which commences in South Africa on January 19, 2024, Dewald Brevis, a Proteas phenomenon, reflected on his breakthrough performance in 2022.
Brevis distinguished himself at the most recent Under-19 showcase by accruing 506 runs at an average of 84.33 and striking at a rate of 90.19. Hasebullah Khan of Pakistan, the next-best performer, amassed 380 runs throughout the tournament.
The South African’s 18 sixes surpassed the next-best scorer by eight. His endeavors not only secured him a spot in the senior Proteas but also provided him with exposure to Twenty20 domestic cricket worldwide.
“I get good flashbacks when I think back, there’s so much good memories you build with the team, with your players, and with other countries’ players,” Brevis began, reflecting on his time in the West Indies.
“It’s absolutely like a springboard because you’re on (the) world stage and there’s so much opportunity that you can just grab, and then remember, everyone is watching and it can boost your career very quickly.”
The young batter feels what is at stake even at an Under-19 global tournament can bring the best out of those who thrive in tense situations.
“I have always felt that situations involving pressure existed, and I thrive under it.” I enjoy resistance. “I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the team was frequently placed in high-pressure situations and environments,” Brevis continued.
“By competing against their top U19 teams, which are the finest in the country, you acquire experience learning how to handle specific situations and how to perform against such opponents.
“All you have to do is compete against the best.”
It is one thing to excel at the youth level; it is quite another to establish oneself at the senior level, confronting seasoned players of international caliber.
Regarding the leap, Brevis asserts that the paramount consideration for a participant is to comprehend the rationale behind their selection by the team.
“I think to be honest it always stays the same because a cricket game is a cricket game,” Brevis said while focusing more on the constants of the game irrespective of the level.
“You have to own your space. You have to know you are here for a reason. And I know that, and I’m ready to take on anything.
“When you go up high and play at higher levels, for example, the senior Proteas team or even in IPL, there’s much more expectation, much more pressure that’s always there. But when you start playing there, you learn how to develop and play differently because it is the pace you face is quicker.
“I feel everyone should know that they are selected for a reason and you have to take ownership and what you’ve learned so far.”
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup comprises sixteen teams, of which twelve advance to the subsequent round. The final will take place on February 11, after which the semi-finals will commence on February 6 and four teams will advance therefrom.
On the opening day of the tournament, the hosts face the West Indies in one of two matches at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, while Ireland faces the United States at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
