WCL 2025 : AB De Villiers Turns Back The Clock With A Breathtaking Knock Against India Champions

Nottingham, In what felt like a time capsule moment for T20 lovers, South African legend AB de Villiers delivered a breathtaking show of vintage brilliance during the sixth match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) at County Ground. Facing India Champions, the 41-year-old maestro carved out a scintillating 63 off just 30 balls*, featuring an array of strokes that had instant replay written all over it.

The Maestro’s Return

Stepping in at number four, de Villiers wasted no time stamping his authority. With a strike rate of 210, he displayed the same exotic style that earned him the moniker “Mr. 360”—inside-out drives, perfectly-timed sweeps, lofted pulls, and straight drives that pierced the outfield like they were guided missiles. Each shot reinforced why he remains a touchstone for power batting.

Strokeplay for the Ages

What made this knock iconic wasn’t just the runs, but the artistry behind them:

Audacious Inside-Out Drives: Maneuvering the ball over extra-cover with surgical precision.
Effortless Pull Shots: Shattering field positions with ease.
Classic Sweeps: Reading the spin, premeditated yet improvisational in execution.
Straight Drives: Pure timing and placement—reminiscent of his batting heydays.

Even at 41, de Villiers’ impeccable technique and power-neutral gameplay left bowlers scrambling as he repeatedly reset the narrative, all with a mischievous grin.

South Africa Clinch Commanding Win

Batting first, South Africa posted a commanding 208/6, buoyed entirely by de Villiers. His innings not only provided the bulk of the score but also injected momentum that propelled the rest of the side.

India’s reply never got off track. Early wickets tumbled:

Robin Uthappa, Shikhar Dhawan, and Ambati Rayudu were all caught in the crossfire.
Stuart Binny provided a flicker of resistance with 37** off 39 balls, but it was too little, too late.
A textbook relay catch by de Villiers and Sarel Erwee dismissed Yusuf Pathan—another reminder that the legend affected both innings.

Spin from Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso then poured salt in the wounds, claiming India’s middle and lower order, sealing a dominant 88-run victory for South Africa Champions.

Legacy in Motion

This knock was more than nostalgia—it affirmed de Villiers has lost none of his instinctual brilliance.
He took center stage not only with the bat, but also with athletic prowess in the field—underlining why he is still a cut above in the legends circuit.
That relay catch? Vintage ABD flair — agile, reactive, and intuitively aware of his limits while pushing them.

What This Win Means

For South Africa Champions: a morale-boosting win and a reminder of their talent reserve, poised for tournament success.

For India Champions: tough lessons. Defeat at the hands of a single hero—diary pages demanding introspection: tight bowling, handling pressure, and resourcefulness under a chase become immediate focus areas.

For fans: pure cricketing theatre. A stage that paid homage to one of the modern game’s greatest entertainers, delivering a moment that transcends the ordinary.

Final Scorecard at a Glance:

Team	Score (Overs)	Notable Innings
South Africa	208/6 (20 overs)	AB de Villiers 63* (30)
India Champions	120 all out (18 overs)	Stuart Binny 37*

AB de Villiers—41 years old, arguably in his post-prime—retained a sparkle few modern players ever taste. This was more than business as usual; it was vintage ABD, redux—a reminder that talent and timing, when intertwined perfectly, never go out of style.

Whether you’re a cricket purist or a casual fan, this night at Nottingham offered a masterclass in power, poise, and passion—hallmarks of AB de Villiers’ storied career.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/