AB de Villiers reminded the world why he’s still one of the most feared strikers in the game.
In a WCL 2025 showdown on July 24 at Grace Road, Leicester, the former South Africa captain produced a stunning unbeaten 116 off just 51 deliveries to lead the South Africa Champions to a 10-wicket victory against England Champions.
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Chasing a modest 153, de Villiers showed no mercy as he reached his hundred in only 41 balls, delivering a spectacle for the crowd and fans watching worldwide.
AB de Villiers dominate the run chase in Leicester
It was a ruthless show right from the first over. AB de Villiers, opening the batting, looked in complete control from ball one. The target of 153 never looked enough, and it wasn’t.
He hit 15 boundaries and cleared the ropes seven times in his 51-ball masterclass. His footwork, timing, and strokeplay brought back memories of his peak international days. The South Africa Champions raced to the finish line in just 12.2 overs, winning the match by 10 wickets.
While it’s hard to compare franchise or legends cricket to full internationals, this innings had all the ingredients of vintage ABD brilliance. The 41-ball century is one of the fastest in the WCL 2025.
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He has played memorable knocks for South Africa in World Cups and IPL teams over the years, but in terms of entertainment and clean hitting, this effort stood tall. It came in a match that had historical cricketing names on both sides, and yet de Villiers managed to stand far above the rest.
What does this mean for South Africa Champions in WCL 2025?
With this win, South Africa Champions not only grabbed two points but also boosted their net run rate. The eighth match of the World Championship of Legends 2025 saw them dominate all departments, and the morale in the camp is now sky-high.
This crushing win, led by de Villiers, has made them one of the favourites going into the final leg of the tournament.