After suffering an 18-run defeat against hosts Namibia just a day earlier, South Africa needed a response – and they got one, with young batting sensation Dewald Brevis once again showing why he is regarded as one of the country's most exciting talents.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bat first at the Namibia Cricket Ground, but his side could only manage 144/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Brian Bennett - Cricinfo

Brian Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with 34 off 35 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Tadiwanashe Marumani provided some late fireworks with 30 off just 13 deliveries.

Ben Curran, brother of England internationals Sam and Tom Curran, also made a valuable contribution, smashing 24 off 12 balls to give the Zimbabwean innings some much-needed impetus at the back end.

South Africa's bowlers kept Zimbabwe under pressure for much of the innings, with lanky all-rounder Duan Jansen leading the way. He claimed 3/45 in his four overs, while Prenelan Subrayen chipped in with 2/27.

The Proteas' chase was a vastly different story.

Tadiwanashe Marumani - Cricinfo

It quickly became the Brevis show as the 23-year-old took control of the innings and dismantled the Zimbabwean attack with a breathtaking display of power hitting.

Brevis smashed an unbeaten 75 from just 43 balls, clearing the ropes six times and finding the boundary seven times as South Africa raced to 145/3 in only 13.4 overs – with 38 balls still remaining.

Lhuan-dré Pretorius provided the early impetus with 22 off 12 balls, while Jordan Hermann added 20 from 13 deliveries.

Rubin Hermann then calmly finished the job, remaining unbeaten on 11 from seven balls as the Proteas wrapped up a much-needed victory.

Brad Evans was Zimbabwe's most economical bowler, taking 1/19 in 2.4 overs, while Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri also claimed a wicket apiece.

Brevis was named Player of the Match and said the Proteas' improved performance, along with the conditions, played a key role in their convincing victory.

“It's great to get off to a win. The boys showed improvement and it was great to see,” Brevis said.

“I'm enjoying it here. It's a lovely ground and a lovely crowd. Today the wicket was really nice and it's an amazing place to play cricket.”

Duan Jansen took 3/45 for his best T20 International bowling figures - Cricinfo

Proteas captain Bjorn Fortuin was equally pleased with the response from his side, particularly the impact made by the young seamers.

“It was very nice to bounce back, even though there wasn't much time in between,” said Fortuin.

“They certainly did well. They read the conditions perfectly and adjusted very well. I'm very proud of the impact they made.

“Brevis is probably the best hitter of the ball I've seen in a very long time. It's nice to see the guys express themselves – not just him, but others as well.

Spinner Prenelan Subrayen took 2/27 - Cricinfo

“There are certain areas we want to improve, and hopefully we can use these couple of days to get our minds and bodies off the game and come back stronger.”

The Proteas will return to action in the T20I Tri-Series on Tuesday when they face Zimbabwe again in Windhoek.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport