WCL 2025 : AB De Villiers’ Jaw-dropping Relay Effort Steals The Show As South Africa Champions Outclass India Champions

In the realm of cricket, few names evoke the awe and wonder that AB de Villiers commands. And in the 2025 edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), the South African maestro once again etched his name into the hearts of fans with a moment of sheer brilliance. At 41, many had presumed his best days were behind him—but in a match that combined nostalgia, athleticism, and dominance, de Villiers turned back the clock in style.

In a fiercely anticipated clash between South Africa Champions and India Champions, AB de Villiers produced a masterclass—both with the bat and in the field—leading his side to a crushing 97-run victory. But more than the margin, it was how the victory was achieved that has fans and pundits buzzing.

The Moment of Magic: AB’s Stunning Relay Catch

It was the 8th over of India Champions’ chase, and the scoreboard pressure was already mounting. Yusuf Pathan, known for his brute power and ability to change games in an over, stepped up looking to counterattack.

Imran Tahir floated a tempting delivery wide outside off. Pathan launched into a slog sweep and the ball soared toward the deep midwicket boundary. For a split second, it seemed destined to clear the ropes.

But AB de Villiers, lurking near the rope, had other plans.

With years of muscle memory still embedded in his sinews, he sprinted across the outfield, covered more ground than any 41-year-old had a right to, and slid at full pace. As he caught the ball inches from the ground and milliseconds before crossing the boundary, de Villiers, in one stunning motion, tossed it mid-air toward Sarel Erwee, who was alert and agile to complete the relay.

The dismissal sent Pathan back for 5 runs—but more importantly, it sent social media into overdrive. The moment became an instant viral sensation, hailed by fans and former players alike as “vintage ABD magic.”

“You can retire from international cricket, but you can’t retire from being a freak,” tweeted a fan.

Batting Masterclass: AB de Villiers Blasts Unbeaten 63

As if the fielding effort wasn’t enough, AB de Villiers had earlier left spectators in awe with a breathtaking innings of 63* off 30 balls, anchoring South Africa Champions to a formidable 208/6 in their 20 overs.

Walking in at No. 4, ABD was cautious early, respecting the swing of Irfan Pathan and the tight lines of Munaf Patel. But once settled, the genius was unleashed.

He peppered the boundary with 3 fours and 4 towering sixes, playing his signature scoop, reverse ramp, and straight drive with the same finesse that once terrorized the world’s best bowlers in international cricket.

In the final overs, he teed off mercilessly:

A 22-run 18th over off Vinay Kumar included a one-handed six that had commentators gasping.
The 20th over, bowled by Stuart Binny, saw back-to-back sixes into the second tier of the stadium.

His strike rate of 210 was not just about flair—it was a calculated assault that tilted the game before the chase even began.

Solid Foundation: Smuts and Rudolph Shine

Before de Villiers’ fireworks, JJ Smuts and Jacques Rudolph set a solid platform with calculated aggression. Smuts struck a run-a-ball 38, rotating the strike and pouncing on anything short. Rudolph, more compact, chipped in with a handy 27.

Their 62-run partnership for the second wicket stabilized South Africa after the early loss of Graeme Smith and set the tone for the late explosion.

The India Champions bowlers tried valiantly, but the pace lacked bite, and the spinners failed to get purchase on the flat surface. Vinay Kumar (1/42) and Munaf Patel (0/36) were expensive, while Yusuf Pathan’s off-spin (1/28) provided a rare breakthrough.

India Champions Collapse in Run Chase

Chasing a daunting 209 on a flat pitch under lights, the India Champions needed a blazing start. But the Proteas had other plans.

With Hardus Viljoen and Wayne Parnell steaming in, India found themselves on the back foot early. The pair combined to remove Robin Uthappa and Mohammad Kaif inside the Powerplay.

Yusuf Pathan’s early exit, courtesy of AB’s stunner, made it 28/3, and from there, the Indian innings never truly recovered.

Stuart Binny waged a lone battle, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 30 balls, showing some class with his square cuts and lofted drives. But the rest of the lineup crumbled against the twin spin threat of Imran Tahir (3/22) and Aaron Phangiso (2/18).

Final Score: India Champions 111/9 in 20 overs

Bowling Breakdown: Tahir and Phangiso Spin a Web

Imran Tahir, always the showman, roared with every wicket. His figures of 3/22 included the scalps of Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, and Binny’s partner Doda Ganesh.

Aaron Phangiso backed him up with deceptive flight and pace, removing Vinay Kumar and Yusuf’s brother Irfan Pathan.

Their control in the middle overs choked India’s chase, and ensured the match never slipped from South Africa’s grip.

Player of the Match: AB de Villiers

Was there ever any doubt? With an unbeaten 63 (30) and the relay catch of the tournament, AB de Villiers was deservingly named Player of the Match.

In a tournament that celebrates cricketing greats of yesteryear, AB showed he’s not just a legend of the past—but a force even today.

What They Said

AB de Villiers (Post-match):

“It’s always a joy playing with this bunch. When I saw the ball in the air (Yusuf’s shot), I just reacted. Muscle memory, I guess! And the crowd made it feel like 2015 again.”

Sarel Erwee:

“All I had to do was not mess it up. AB did all the hard work. That was one of the best assists I’ve ever seen in cricket.”

India Champions Coach Rahul Dravid:

“You don’t win many games when you drop catches and bowl poorly at the death. But hats off to AB. He was the difference.”

What This Means for WCL 2025

With this win, South Africa Champions top Group B, securing a berth in the semifinals. Their balance of power hitters, seasoned pacers, and dynamic spinners makes them serious title contenders.

India Champions, on the other hand, have one more group game remaining and must win handsomely to stay alive in the tournament.

Nostalgia Meets High Skill

The World Championship of Legends may be designed for retired cricketers, but performances like this prove that form is temporary, class is eternal. For fans, seeing AB de Villiers back in full flight was more than just entertainment—it was a reminder of why we fell in love with the game in the first place.

Match Summary

WCL 2025 – Group Stage Match
📍 Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
📅 Date: July 14, 2025

🏏 South Africa Champions – 208/6 (20 overs)

AB de Villiers – 63* (30)
JJ Smuts – 38 (38)
Vinay Kumar – 1/42
Yusuf Pathan – 1/28

🏏 India Champions – 111/9 (20 overs)

Stuart Binny – 37* (30)
Aaron Phangiso – 2/18
Imran Tahir – 3/22
AB de Villiers (catch + run-out assist)

Result: South Africa Champions won by 97 runs
Player of the Match: AB de Villiers

Final Word

Whether it was the audacious catch or the explosive knock, AB de Villiers proved once again why he’s one of cricket’s most beloved superstars. In a tournament steeped in nostalgia, his performance reminded everyone that legends never fade—they just wait for the right stage.

WCL 2025 has witnessed many magical moments, but none more dazzling than this vintage show from Mr. 360° himself.

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