'A privilege to watch' - Subrayen on sensational Brevis

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Following a shocking loss to Namibia in the tri-series opener, South Africa lifted their spirits yesterday with a thumping win over Zimbabwe. 

The architect of their triumph was rising batting star Dewald Brevis, who had also nearly seen his side through against Namibia. While his 75 off 50 wasn't enough against the Eagles on Friday, his 75* off 32 came good against the Chevrons.

Laced with 13 boundaries, including six sixes, Brevis' effort won appreciation from teammate Prenelan Subrayen.

"I think Dewald's innings yesterday (against Namibia) and today (against Zimbabwe), he really showed frustration yesterday when he couldn't take us home. That's something he reflected on and he came today and saw it through for us," Subrayen told reporters following the Proteas win.

Brevis' mastery over strokeplay was lauded by his team-mate, who called it a morale-boosting performance.

"For us, sitting in the change room, it's uplifting watching him bat. Especially when you see the third umpire, running in the new ball every second over. Watching him bat is quite a privilege."

Tadiwanashe Marumani from the Zimbabwean camp also believed Brevis' performance was the turning point in the game.

"The intent was there from ball one. He looked to score, which released the pressure from their changing room, and it made a huge difference, as his performance reduced the asking rate to less than a run a ball."

When Subrayen was asked if the result against Namibia helped South Africa lift themselves against Zimbabwe, the spinner mentioned that the team had gone back to the drawing board and worked on areas to improve.

"I think it was a case of us reflecting in the dressing room, after the day's play. And also looking into ways we can be better, especially the small areas. And the bowling unit came out today, and we were really fired up."

South Africa's bowlers set the tone with early breakthrough, with Eathan Bosch (1/20) and Duan Jansen (3/45) giving the the optimal start.

Subrayen, who himself picked a two-wicket haul, praised the duo for their new-ball efforts.

"I was lucky there to be with Eathan as the Dolphins, and with Duan at JSK (in SA20). Knowing them as people, and as cricketers, I know what they bring to the table."

Subrayen also backed Bjorn Fortuin for his captaincy, admitting that bowling was easier under Fortuin's leadership.

"I don't think it was a mindset thing. Working with the captain, and the way he leads the team, he takes a lot of the load off your shoulders. His ability to think the game, and read the game, definitely helps you as a bowler and helps you think about every single ball."

Subrayen also held high praise for the Namibia Cricket Ground at Windhoek, which will also be a venue at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. Subrayen has picked five wickets from two outings at the venue thus far. 

"The conditions offered a little bit of everything to everyone. I enjoyed the conditions. Fast bowlers, spinners, as well as batters. I think we had a little bit of an upper hand, having played on it yesterday, so we knew what the wicket was going to do. And I think it played quite well. So definitely credit to both sides on how they maximise their efforts.

On the other hand, Tadiwanashe Marumani believed Zimbabwe had enough potential to rise above this loss and challenge the hosts in the next encounter of this tri-series.

"For us, it's just trying to stick to our basics. Because at the end of the day, it's only about knowing your role and doing your role, and then you can come on top."

The tri-series action resumes tomorrow, 31 August as Zimbabwe face Namibia.