Cricket fans were treated to a blast from the past as AB de Villiers produced a vintage performance in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 match, leading South Africa Champions to a dominant win over India Champions.
AB de Villiers’ Magical Knock
- Unbeaten 63 off 30 Balls: De Villiers, captaining the South African side, entered the crease in the 9th over after Jacques Rudolph’s wicket. In no time, he found his groove, hammering 3 boundaries and 4 massive sixes at a strike rate above 200.
- Turning Point: His attacking intent put the Indian bowlers under pressure and completely changed the direction of the match. Vintage shots—sweeps, cover drives, and power pulls—brought back memories of his prime days.
- Support From Teammates: South Africa built a strong foundation with Hashim Amla (22) and Jacques Rudolph (24), while late fireworks from Morne van Wyk (18* off just 5 balls) powered them to a massive total of 208/6 in 20 overs.
India’s Batting Struggles
- Early Collapse: Chasing 209, India lost wickets rapidly. With skipper Yuvraj Singh sidelined by injury, their top order folded in the powerplay. Stuart Binny (37*) was the only batter to show resistance.
- Rain Shuts the Door: The match was halted due to rain with India at 111/9 in 18.2 overs—well short of the required DLS par score, sealing an 88-run (DLS) victory for South Africa Champions.
Fielding Brilliance: The Relay Catch
- Showstopper on the Field: De Villiers further wowed fans with a stunning relay catch at the boundary with Sarel Erwee to dismiss Yusuf Pathan. Sprinting in the deep, he slid to grab the ball, tossed it back before crossing the ropes, and Erwee completed the grab—showcasing agility and awareness that belie his age.
Match Impact and Standings
- Player of the Match: AB de Villiers was rightfully named Player of the Match for his dominant all-around display.
- Tournament Table: With this win, South Africa Champions moved to the top of the WCL 2025 table with two wins in two matches, while India Champions are yet to taste victory, sitting at the bottom with just one point.
De Villiers’ 63* and fielding heroics have not only brought nostalgia to cricket lovers but also established South Africa Champions as favorites in WCL 2025—and proven that true legends never fade away
