AB de Villiers continues to defy age and retirement with another breathtaking innings, scoring a century off just 39 balls against Australia Champions in the World Championship of Legends at Headingley.
The 41-year-old South African legend, captaining the South Africa Champions side, powered his way to 123 runs off only 46 deliveries, including 15 fours and 8 sixes.
Coming off a 41-ball century in his previous match against England Champions, de Villiers elevated his form even further with this latest knock. He opened the innings alongside JJ Smuts, and the pair launched an early assault, adding 78 runs in the Powerplay without loss.
De Villiers brought up his fifty in 22 balls, reaching the milestone with a towering six over long-off off Peter Siddle. His century came via a reverse sweep off D’Arcy Short, with that very over yielding 22 runs four fours and a six. The destructive knock finally came to an end when he was dismissed by Siddle, but not before laying the foundation for a mammoth total.
Smuts, too, played a vital role at the other end, scoring 85 off 53 balls. Together, they shared a 187-run opening stand, the highest of the match as South Africa Champions posted an imposing 241 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Despite retiring from all forms of professional cricket in 2021, de Villiers remains a standout performer in veterans’ leagues. Throughout this tournament, he has showcased glimpses of his vintage brilliance. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 116 off 51 balls against England Champions, and a match-winning 61* off 30 balls against India Champions.
Although he missed the fixture against Pakistan Champions due to a minor injury, de Villiers returned with authority and reminded the cricketing world why he remains one of the most dynamic batters the game has seen.