Watch: Unbelievable! 41-year-old AB de Villiers battles hamstring injury to score 47-ball ton vs Pakistan in WCL 2025 final
Cricket
fans witnessed the extraordinary on Sunday as the ever-reliable
AB de Villiers
delivered a once-in-a-generation knock under pressure and under physical strain.
The 41-year-old South African legend, battling a hamstring injury, smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 60 balls to guide South Africa Champions to a thumping 9-wicket win over Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final.
De Villiers brought up his hundred in only 47 deliveries, hitting 12 4s and clearing the ropes seven times.
His timing, composure, and clean striking left fans in awe, as he made an otherwise challenging chase of 196 look effortless.
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Despite grimacing through the pain mid-innings and requiring attention from the physio, he remained unfazed, pushing through discomfort with sheer class and experience.
Supported ably by
JP Duminy
, who added a brisk 50* off 28 balls, South Africa sealed the match with 19 balls to spare. The chase was as clinical as it was entertaining, capping off an undefeated run for the South Africans throughout the tournament.
De Villiers' efforts earned him both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament honours, well deserved for a campaign where he consistently produced big scores in high-pressure moments.
Meanwhile, India Champions' absence from the tournament's knockout stages continued to be a talking point. Their decision to withdraw from the semi-final against Pakistan drew mixed reactions, but former cricketer Suresh Raina expressed confidence in his side, posting: 'What a knock by AB de Villiers in the final, absolutely smashed it. Had we played, we would've crushed them too, but we chose our nation above everything else.
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