HAMPSHIRE Hawks star Dewald Brevis declared "there are lots of things yet to come" after his side kicked off their T20 Blast campaign in style.

Last weekend’s double-header at Utilita Bowl saw Hawks dominate Essex by 106 runs, with new man Brevis’ stunning 68 runs the stand-out on debut.

South African batsman Brevis expressed his delight at the win, saying: “That was lots of fun, I really loved it. We got a win so that’s what we wanted.

"We have to focus on the next game. Enjoy the moment first and then tomorrow’s a new day. There were very good things but there are things we can improve on as well.

“There are a lot of things that are yet to come for this team, and we have to enjoy the moment. It’s only the first game of 14 matches, if I’m correct, and then playoff matches.

“We have to stay humble and enjoy it, but hopefully there is more to come.”

As three-time winners, in 2010, 2012 and 2022, the men’s team have the opportunity to become the outright most successful team in the competition’s history.

Brevis’ 68 off 32 balls capped a 230-run performance against Essex, with captain James Vince’s returning 62 off 31 and Toby Albert scoring 54 from 34 balls.

Brevis added: “It is a lot of runs but for our team calibre I believe we could get more runs. We just have to keep looking for those complete performances.

“It was lovely, I think everyone played beautifully up front. They put a score on for me when I came in to have fun and enjoy it, and that’s how we want to play. 

“We should keep doing that and if it wasn’t for them, then we wouldn’t have been where we were at the last over, or whatever over it was when we won.”

The batsman, who has played for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, holds the record for the highest score in T20 cricket in South Africa and the fastest 150 in world T20 cricket.

Brevis, making his debut for the Hawks, struck a six over the boundary on his very first ball, and said: “God blessed me with talent to play like that.

"The intent would always be high, to show presence and enjoy it. If it’s there, then it’s there. If a ball needs to go for six, it has to go for six, whether it’s the first ball or not.”

Both Hampshire squads will do battle today at The Oval, when they face the Surrey teams. Hampshire Hawks Women will start at 2pm, while the men begin at 6:30pm.

Brevis said: “I’ve heard lots of good things about The Oval. I think we should carry this momentum, take it forward and enjoy it and yeah, let’s see what happens.”