Even five years after walking away from international cricket, AB de Villiers showed that his strokeplay remains as devastating as ever. Playing in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 in Sharjah, UAE, the celebrated South African star rolled back the years with a breathtaking display against West Indies Champions. Walking in with authority, he dispatched the bowling to all parts of the ground, compiling a blistering 70 runs off just 39 deliveries.
Blistering 27-Ball Half-Century at Number Three
South Africa Champions were put in to bat first in their tournament opener, and their 42-year-old skipper marched out to bat at number three. Wasting no time in settling down, he immediately went on the offensive against the Caribbean bowlers. De Villiers raced to his half-century in merely 27 balls, showcasing supreme timing, quick footwork, and the uncanny shot selection that defined his prime years at the highest level.
Classic 360-Degree Hitting Across the Ground
Displaying the innovative hitting that earned him the famous 'Mr. 360' moniker, de Villiers entertained the crowd with audacious strokeplay across every corner of the ground. Before eventually falling in the final over of the innings, his 39-ball assault featured 5 massive sixes and 4 crisp boundaries. His clean striking kept the run rate soaring and laid a formidable platform for the side.
Richard Levi's 87 Powers Innings to 242
While de Villiers anchored the assault, opener Richard Levi produced an equally brutal knock from the other end. Levi battered the bowling attack to score 87 runs off only 39 deliveries. Powered by these two fiery innings, South Africa Champions reached an imposing total of 242 for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, setting a massive challenge for their opponents.
West Indies Crumble for 145 in Chase
Chasing a steep target of 243 runs, West Indies Champions struggled to keep pace with the daunting required rate. Under relentless scoreboard pressure, the batting lineup lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to build meaningful partnerships. The Caribbean side was ultimately bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs, handing South Africa Champions a decisive 97-run victory to get their campaign underway in style.
