Dewald Brevis (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

South Africa batter Dewald Brevis lit up the 2nd T20I between South Africa and Australia with a breathtaking unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls, steering the Proteas to 218/7 in Brisbane and becoming the second-quickest T20I hundred from a South African player. Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his striking resemblance to AB de Villiers’ batting style, the 22-year-old showcased a full range of strokes, from scoops and ramps to brutal straight hits, dismantling the Australian attack with a strike rate of 223.Brevis’ innings wasn’t just about raw power.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!His shot selection and composure reflected the influence of his mentor, AB de Villiers, who has been guiding him since his teenage years. Watch:Like his idol, Brevis grew up near SuperSport Park, attended the same high school (Affies), and was coached by the same mentor, Deon Botes. He’s been hailed for his adaptability, an ability he says comes from “keeping it simple” and “playing the natural game.”While his batting stole headlines, Brevis is also a handy leg-spinner, inspired by Shane Warne, and has already taken wickets in the series. His all-round skills, coupled with a fearless approach, make him one of the brightest young prospects in world cricket.The 2nd T20I was a reminder of why fans call him “Baby AB”, not as a shadow of de Villiers, but as a rising star writing his own chapter. If this knock is a sign of things to come, Brevis might soon be a household name across formats, and perhaps in the IPL, where he dreams of playing for RCB alongside Virat Kohli.