Former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed Dewald Brevis to emerge as a potential game-changer in the Super 8 clash between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, February 22.
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Brevis has managed just 86 runs in four innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup, but Chopra believes the 22-year-old’s explosive ability makes him South Africa’s X-factor. In 26 T20Is, Brevis has scored 576 runs at a blistering strike rate of 163.18. His credentials include a stunning unbeaten 125 off 56 balls against Australia in Darwin last August — one of the most destructive hundreds in T20I cricket.
“Dewald Brevis hasn’t fired so far, but he can explode at any time. Even the Chennai guys say the same. He hasn’t scored heavily yet, but he is that X-factor. Batting at No. 4, he has the ability to change the game very quickly,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra also outlined a tactical approach India could adopt to neutralise the right-hander. He suggested using Jasprit Bumrah’s pace and accuracy to target Brevis with short-pitched bowling.
“I would bring Bumrah on and bowl bouncers at him. Bumrah has bowled only a handful of deliveries to him and has dismissed him once or twice. It’s a big ground, so you can afford to keep two fielders in the deep and test him with the short ball,” he added.
Both India and South Africa entered the Super 8 stage unbeaten in the group phase. India topped Group A with wins over USA, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands, while South Africa dominated Group D, defeating Afghanistan, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and Canada.
