Birmingham, August 2, 2025 — Cricket fans witnessed a vintage AB de Villiers show in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. The South African great turned back the clock with his explosive batting, consistency, and leadership, guiding South Africa Champions to WCL 2025 glory at Edgbaston.
In the final match against Pakistan Champions, AB de Villiers scored a blazing 120 off 60 balls*, smashing 12 fours and 7 sixes. Chasing a target of 196 runs, South Africa made 197/1 in just 16.5 overs, winning the title by 9 wickets with style. De Villiers was rightly named the Player of the Match and also took home the Player of the Tournament award.
AB de Villiers in WCL 2025: Performance Overview
AB de Villiers played like a legend throughout the tournament, helping South Africa Champions stay unbeaten and deliver big victories. Here’s a quick look at his key performances:
| Match | Opponent | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs West Indies | 2nd Match | 3 (4) | 3 (4) | 75.00 | Match tied – SA won bowl-out |
| vs England | 6th Match | 116 (51)* | 227.45 | SA won by 10 wickets | |
| vs Australia | 12th Match | 123 (46) | 267.39 | SA won by 95 runs | |
| vs Australia | Semi-final | 6 (4) | – | SA won by 1 run | |
| vs Pakistan | Final | 120 (60)* | 200.00 | SA won by 9 wickets |
He scored a total of 368 runs in the tournament, including two centuries and one unbeaten half-century, finishing with an average above 120 and a jaw-dropping strike rate above 200.
Read more: WCL 2025 Points Table
The Final: A Night to Remember
- Opponent: Pakistan Champions
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Date: August 2, 2025
- South Africa’s innings: 197/1 (16.5 overs)
- AB de Villiers: 120* (60), JP Duminy: 50* (28)
- Result: SA Champions won by 9 wickets
- Man of the Match: AB de Villiers
- Player of the Tournament: AB de Villiers
He shared crucial partnerships:
- 72-run opening stand with Hashim Amla (18 off 14)
- Unbeaten 125-run stand with JP Duminy (50* off 28)
Captain, Leader & Finisher
Not only did AB lead from the front with the bat, but his calm and confident captaincy also ensured South Africa stayed on top throughout the series. Under his leadership:
- South Africa won all matches, including tight contests vs Australia (by 1 run) and Pakistan (Final).
- De Villiers himself anchored the chase, demolished bowling attacks, and inspired team spirit.
AB’s Impact on WCL 2025
- Most runs in the tournament
- Most sixes (26 sixes across 5 innings)
- 2 centuries in crucial matches
- Man of the Match in both 12th match & Final
- Player of the Series — Well deserved!
AB de Villiers proved why he is still one of the most dangerous batters in the world, even in the Legends League format. His performance in WCL 2025 was nothing short of magical — from the thunderous sixes to match-winning chases.
Fans were left chanting one name – AB… AB… AB!
And as he lifted the WCL 2025 trophy, it was a perfect finish to a legendary campaign.
