AB-SOLUTELY UNREAL

AB DE Villiers delivered a vintage performance to guide South Africa Champions to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final of the World Championship of Legends at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday.

Chasing 196, De Villiers opened with Hashim Amla, contributing to a 72-run stand before Amla fell for 18. From there on, De Villiers took full control, klapping an unbeaten 120 off just 60 balls – an innings that included 12 fours and 7 sixes. He was ably supported by JP Duminy, who scored an unbeaten 50, as the pair put on an unbroken 125-run partnership to finish the chase with 19 balls to spare.

De Villiers’ commanding knock earned him the player of the final, capping off a tournament where he scored 429 runs – the highest by any batter – including three centuries. He was also named player of the tournament for his all-round excellence.

Earlier, Pakistan had posted a competitive 195/5, led by Sharjeel Khan’s vinnige 76. However, SA’s disciplined bowling and De Villiers’ clinical response with the bat proved too strong.

At 41, De Villiers showed he has lost none of his flair, timing, or power, thrilling mense with what many are calling a “superhuman” campaign. The final marked his first major title in the Legends format, along with a share of the team’s prize of $200 000 (R3.6 million).

With the win, SA claimed the World Championship of Legends crown in emphatic style, led by a player who continues to redefine greatness long after his international retirement.

Former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn praised De Villiers for his kwaai showing at the tournament. Steyn remarked that his ex-SA teammate is still so skilled that he is “better than half the internationals in the IPL.”

Speaking on his X account, Steyn wysed: “Unpopular/popular opinion. AB is still better than half the internationals at the IPL. Maybe even more.”