Fans Go Berserk As AB De Villiers Turns Back Time With Brilliant 116 To Propel South Africa Champions To Win Over England Champions

A sold-out crowd at Grace Road, Leicester, buzzing in anticipation. The nostalgia of cricket legends jogging onto the T20 field. Among them, none carry the aura quite like AB de Villiers, “Mr. 360,” stepping up once more to remind the cricket world why his name still rings with reverence.

In a jaw-dropping showdown during Match 8 of WCL 2025, South Africa Champions faced England Champions. India Today and Wisden both captured the magic—a 41-ball unbeaten 116, laced with 15 fours and 7 mammoth sixes, as de Villiers virtually single-handedly chased down a target of 153 in just 12.2 overs, guiding his team to a dominant ten‑wicket victory.

Setting the Stage: WCL, Legends & Legacy

Launched in July 2025, the World Championship of Legends brings together retired cricketing icons from six franchises under the England and Wales Cricket Board’s banner. It’s a celebration of the game’s golden past—but it’s fiercely competitive too. Among participants were legends like Yuvraj Singh, Jacques Kallis, Imran Tahir, Chris Gayle—and at the forefront, AB de Villiers, captaining South Africa Champions.

Having retired internationally in 2018 and from franchise cricket by 2021, his comeback was met with global excitement. He described a rekindled passion that began playing with his young sons—“a flame has been lit again”—leading him to step back onto the field in July 2025.

A Night to Remember: The Grace Road Carnage

Day, Date & Venue
July 24, 2025 · Grace Road, Leicester—a typically balanced T20 pitch that evening tilted decisively in de Villiers’s favour.

Target & Chase
England Champions had posted a challenging total of 152/6 in their full quota—thanks to a gritty top order and some late cameo hitting. South Africa’s reply was emphatic—and it was led by one man:

*116 off 51 balls**, completing the chase in 12.2 overs.
Milestones: Fifties off 21 balls, centuries in just 41 deliveries.
Contribution: De Villiers alone scored 15 boundaries—almost single‑handedly dismantling the bowling line‑up. Only his partner Hashim Amla, stranded at the other end with 29* off 25, offered minimal assistance.

It wasn’t just the blistering strike‑rate of 228+, but the variety on display: inside‑outs, reverse sweeps, straight drives, pull‑shots—echoing his trademark “360‑degree” artistry.

**Fielding AND Flair: The Relay-Catch That Went Viral**

Earlier in the tournament, de Villiers had already caught eyes on the field—quite literally—with an absolutely stunning relay catch against India Champions. Racing back near the boundary, he flicked the ball mid‑air to teammate Sarel Erwee, who completed the dismissal just inside the ropes. The catch spread instantly across social media, reminding fans that even in his 40s, de Villiers remained a fielding masterclass.

That combination of speed, anticipation, and athleticism is remarkable—especially for a player long retired from professional cricket.

Why This Innings Matters

At Age 41, Still Dominating
Few have made such an impact years after retirement. De Villiers’s knock underlines that his skill transcended age and time—even in a packed legends tournament.
Strike-Rate That Shocks Modern Pros
A strike rate north of 200 in T20 is rare—let alone for someone who retired from top-flight cricket four years earlier. This performance was a testament to his unerring timing and power.
An Unplaceholder, A Star Attraction
WCL’s goal is nostalgia—but de Villiers’s displays make it more than a tribute—it’s real entertainment. His innings transformed a fun legends event into must-watch, drawing global attention and digital engagement.

Reactions & Reverence: Fans Rejoice

Social media erupted with praise:

“MR.360° is back”
“What AB de Villiers is doing to the bowlers in the Legends league is ridiculous”
“He could walk into an international side and continue to dominate”

Even diehard fans on Reddit and cricket forums chimed in, marveling at the innings and his signature swagger. One user noted, “We can say there is still cricket left in MR. 360”.

AB’s Broader WCL Campaign: A Leader & Run-Scorer

This wasn’t an isolated effort. Earlier in the same tournament, against India Champions, de Villiers scored 61 off 30 to power SA to an emphatic 88‑run win. He also pulled off that memorable relay catch that delighted fans worldwide.

Across his WCL appearances, he’s emerged as the top run-scorer, leading South Africa Champions to the top of the standings with three wins from as many matches.

Legacy Reinforced: Why AB Still Defines Excellence

From his famed 31-ball ODI century (in 2015) to this outing at 41, de Villiers’s career is defined by innovation, versatility, and pure dominance. His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in late 2024 acknowledged his status—viewed by peers like Virat Kohli as not just a run-machine, but a cricketing artist whose influence continues to shape modern batting philosophy.

In many fans’ eyes, even after retirement, de Villiers still sets the standard. Reddit lauds his “alien” ability and unmatched flair at the crease.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for WCL and Fans

WCL Gains Credibility: More than a nostalgia fest, it’s emerging as a credible, competitive tournament that can still birth unforgettable moments.
AB Sets the Benchmark: His performance raises the bar for other legends on equal footing—inviting them to deliver, not just appear.
Fan Connection: The emotional pull of seeing de Villiers in touch—or better than ever—revives a generation’s passion and introduces younger fans to his genius.

A Timeless Performance in a Modern Setting

The WCL’s narrative this year hinges on a single figure—AB de Villiers. In two innings, he reminded the world of his preeminence: The vintage 61 and the masterful 116*. He fused panache with precision, nostalgia with novelty, scoring brilliance with world-class athleticism.

This innings wasn’t just a walk down memory lane—it was a full sprint back in time, proving that when it comes to AB de Villiers, the legend never faded. Whether scoring centuries at lightning pace or pulling off jaw-dropping fielding moments, he remains cricket’s definition of magic.

And that, dear fans, is why Mr. 360° still matters—even at 41.

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