Proteas star Dewald Brevis skyrockets up the ICC global rankings after record-breaking 125*

Dewald Brevis’s record-breaking 125 not out off 56 balls has seen the Proteas star skyrocket up the ICC T20I batting world rankings on Wednesday.

Brevis’ dazzling batting display in the 2nd T20I lifted him 80 places up to a career-best 21st position.

The youngster lit up the night sky in Australia’s Northern Capital Territories on Tuesday evening when he blasted the highest ever score by a Proteas batter in T20 Internationals.

The 22-year-old broke the decade-old record held by former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis after his 119 not out against the West Indies at the Wanderers.

Brevis though was unaware that he had surpassed Du Plessis, believing the mark was held by Proteas legendary allrounder Jacques Kallis instead.

"If someone didn't tell me after the game then I wouldn't have known – but it's Jacques Kallis, if I'm correct? Someone said it's Jacques – but is it Faf? I got it wrong, I didn't know," said Brevis.

"But it's obviously a privilege and honour, and there aren't a lot of words, I'm just extremely grateful and excited for what is ahead."

Brevis, who is no stranger to smashing records, is also now the second fastest South African T20I centurion having utilized just 41 balls to reach the magical three-figure mark. 

It has not been all smooth sailing for the former Affies prodigy since he made his international debut two years ago whilst still a teenager, but he is now grateful that he can finally repay the faith after being recalled under new coach Shukri Conrad.

"The Proteas is a very special place for me, so to be a part of it and go out of it, that wasn't easy, it was tough," Brevis said.

"But I'm extremely grateful for [that experience], if it wasn't for that, that's all apart of your journey and that's what makes you stronger, and that's why I'm here now – and I think it's a big reason for how I'm playing now too.

"I've had to make all those mistakes that all the senior players actually warned me about – all the guys told me, 'Watch out for this; do this; do that,' and I basically did the exact opposite.

"So it's important to go through that and to be able to be here now, it's special, that's all I can say."

Proteas teammate Tristian Stubbs has also gained 12 places to reach 27th position. 

The Proteas face Australia in the third and final T20I on Saturday in Cairns.