AB de Villiers Turns Back the Clock with 41-Ball Floodlit Century
Grace Road, Leicester – July 24, 2025
In a modern classic at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, AB de Villiers reminded everyone why he’s still “Mr. 360.” At age 41, he tore apart the England Champions bowling attack with an electrifying 41-ball century, powering South Africa Champions to a decisive win in emphatic style. Here’s how he did it:
Innings of the Night: A Display of Pure Masterclass
- AB de Villiers blasted an unbeaten 100+ off just 41 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and 7 sixes, to chase down a target of 153 without loss.
- His fifty came up in just 20 balls, and he never let the pressure dip—composing a flawless chase with imperious timing and vision.
- Partnering Hashim Amla, who played the anchor role perfectly, De Villiers guided South Africa to an easy ten-wicket victory in under 10 overs.
Match Summary at a Glance
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| England Champions | 152/6 (20 overs) |
| South Africa Champions | 153/0 (9.0 overs) |
- Top England batting: Phil Mustard made 39, Morgan and Patel chipped in but totals remained modest.
- SA bowling highlights: Wayne Parnell (2/36) and Imran Tahir (2/17) restricted England to a below-par line on a batting-friendly pitch.
What Made That Knock Special
- Perfect Timing: Even at 41, De Villiers demonstrated pristine timing and impeccable placement.
- Calculated Power: His strike rate remained at near 250, showing calculated aggression.
- Psychological boost: That knock didn’t just win the match—it served notice: legends still dominate.
Beyond the Bat: Fielding Magic
In a previous WCL match at Northampton, De Villiers created a viral moment—a relay catch diving near the boundary to dismiss Yusuf Pathan, trading with Sarel Erwee, and avoiding the rope in style. His timeless athleticism showed he still commands every frame.
Tournament Impact & Legacy Moments
- South Africa Champions leapfrogged to stronger positioning with this emphatic win, helping set tone for their next fixtures at WCL 2025.
- AB’s legacy cemented: Two matches, two explosive performances—63 off 30 vs India, then a century vs England—mark him as the heartbeat of his team.
Why This Century Resonates
- A century off 41 balls is extraordinary in any context—but delivered by a 41-year-old legend in a nostalgic tournament makes it historic.
- De Villiers delivered vintage moments in both batting and fielding, blending nostalgia with elite execution.
- For fans, this was not just a performance—it was a reminder why he’s among cricket’s all-time greats.
AB de Villiers’ 41-ball century at Grace Road wasn’t just a match-winning knock—it was a spectacle. At an age when most legends slow down, he cranked up the gears and showed us why “Mr. 360” still owns the spotlight. For South Africa Champions, it was a statement victory; for cricket fans, it was a memory to cherish.
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