AB de Villiers continues to prove why he’s regarded as one of the most explosive batters in cricket history. The 41-year-old South African legend lit up the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 yet again, smashing back-to-back centuries in jaw-dropping fashion. After hammering a 41-ball hundred against the England Champions, he went one better on Sunday (July 27), slamming a century in just 39 balls against the Australia Champions at Headingley, Leeds.
Opening the innings for South Africa Champions after skipper Aaron Phangiso chose to bat first, de Villiers was in no mood to settle in. He tore into the Australian attack, eventually scoring a stunning 123 off just 46 deliveries. His blazing knock featured 15 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, showcasing the vintage ABD flair that fans across the world love.
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He brought up his hundred with a boundary off D’Arcy Short in the first ball of the 13th over and followed it up with three more fours and a six in the same over, treating the crowd to a masterclass in aggressive batting.
Back to back hundreds for AB de Villiers, he is unstoppable.❤️😭pic.twitter.com/myLpCJHEyS
— . (@ABDszn17) July 27, 2025
Retirement? What Retirement? 💁♂️
ABD follows up his 41-ball hundred vs England with a 39-ball hundred vs Australia 🔥#WCL2025 #ABdeVilliers pic.twitter.com/lK89E3jsSc
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 27, 2025
De Villiers shared a commanding 187-run opening partnership with JJ Smuts, who also contributed a valuable 85. Their stand helped South Africa Champions post a mammoth 241/6 in their 20 overs.
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Though Peter Siddle eventually dismissed de Villiers, the damage was done. Siddle finished with figures of 3/38, while Brett Lee, Steve O’Keefe, and Daniel Christian chipped in with a wicket apiece. ABD’s form has undoubtedly made South Africa Champions strong title contenders in WCL 2025.
South Africa Champions (Playing XI): AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Sarel Erwee, Henry Davids, Jean-Paul Duminy, JJ Smuts, Morne van Wyk (WK), Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, Aaron Phangiso (C), Duanne Olivier
Australia Champions (Playing XI): Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, D Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (WK), Callum Ferguson, Daniel Christian, Ben Cutting, John Hastings, Steve OKeefe, Brett Lee (C), Peter Siddle
