Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan compared South Africa star batter Dewald Brevis to Abhishek Sharma, on the basis of their high strike-rates ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter has been one of the most destructive middle-order batters at present, while the No.1-ranked T20I batter has unleashed carnage against the new ball since his debut.

Among full-member nations, Abhishek Sharma and Dewald Brevis occupy the top two spots as far as career T20I strike rates are concerned. The Indian opener has a strike rate of 194.74 after 38 matches, while the Proteas star batter has a strike rate of 171.31 in 22 appearances.

Even in the 2025 IPL, the batters were not far apart in terms of strike rate. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener had a strike rate of 193.39, slightly higher than the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star’s figure of 180.00. It is to be noted that Brevis only played six matches in the season after coming in as an injury replacement.

Irfan Pathan remarked that the young, dynamic batters are quite similar in the way they operate aggressively.

“South Africa have nine players from the previous World Cup, and that is a huge positive for any team. Even the additions to this squad are quality players. One such addition is Dewald Brevis. In the IPL, whether it be Siraj, Prasidh, Narine, or Rashid, he was taking them on and not hesitating. We talk about Abhishek Sharma batting at a strike rate of 200, even he plays at a strike rate of 170-180. So, he is a solid player,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Irfan Pathan named Brevis in his predicted playing XI for South Africa, while excluding the likes of Corbin Bosch, George Linde, and Kwena Maphaka.

“Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi,” he suggested.

South Africa suffered a 30-run loss in the warm-up match against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, on Wednesday, February 4. The Proteas will begin their campaign in the group of death with a clash against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Monday, February 9.

“Australia comes into the World Cup with vengeance” – Irfan Pathan on the Men in Yellow’s chances in the 2026 T20 World Cup

The former cricketer backs Australia to present a massive threat to their opposition, primarily on the back of their all-rounders. The 2021 T20 World Cup champions are missing the services of star players Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, but have an interesting blend of experience and youth.

“Australia comes into the World Cup with vengeance. Just like India, their biggest strength is their all-rounders. They have Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, and Cooper Connolly. Connolly impressed me a lot when India toured Australia, and he is a quality all-rounder, and he can make an impact,” Irfan Pathan opined.

Irfan Pathan picked Australia’s predicted playing XI for the tournament, but could not find a place for Cooper Connolly.

“Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood,” he concluded.

Australia recently suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan in a bilateral series ahead of the World Cup. The Mitchell Marsh-led side will open their campaign with a match against Ireland, on Wednesday, February 11.