Cricket fans witnessed a spectacular throwback to the golden days of aggressive batting as AB de Villiers produced another unforgettable performance in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026. The former South African star turned back the clock at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, delivering a breathtaking century against Australia Champions and reminding everyone why he earned the nickname ‘Mr. 360’.

At 42, De Villiers showed no signs of slowing down as he dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack with an extraordinary display of stroke-making. His unbeaten 111 off just 40 deliveries powered South Africa Champions to a remarkable victory while chasing a challenging target of 210 runs.

AB de Villiers smacks century in just 37 balls

Walking out with a substantial target to chase, De Villiers took charge of the innings and put the Australian bowlers under immense pressure. His aggressive approach ensured that South Africa Champions maintained a commanding scoring rate throughout the run chase.

The right-handed batter brought up his century in only 37 balls, producing one of the standout performances of the tournament. He remained unbeaten on 111 from 40 deliveries, combining calculated aggression with the unconventional shots that have defined his illustrious career.

His innings featured six boundaries and 11 sixes, leaving the Australian bowling attack struggling to find a way to contain him. From powerful hits over the ropes to innovative strokes around the wicket, De Villiers entertained the crowd with a batting masterclass.

South Africa Champions complete a dominant run chase

De Villiers’ sensational knock helped South Africa Champions overhaul the 210-run target in just 15.4 overs. What initially appeared to be a demanding chase turned into a one-sided contest as the South African side raced towards victory. His ability to find gaps, clear the boundary and accelerate whenever required proved decisive. Rather than allowing the required run rate to dictate the tempo, De Villiers took the attack to the opposition and made the chase look remarkably straightforward.

The innings also highlighted his enduring ability to perform on the big stage. Even years after stepping away from international cricket, the former Proteas batter continues to demonstrate the timing, power and creativity that made him one of the most exciting players of his generation.

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WCL 2026 adds another chapter to De Villiers’ legacy

De Villiers has already established himself as one of the biggest attractions in the World Championship of Legends. His performances during the 2025 edition played a crucial role in South Africa Champions’ title-winning campaign. He previously produced a 41-ball century against England and followed it up with an unbeaten 120 in the final against Pakistan, underlining his ability to deliver match-winning performances when it matters most.

His latest century in the 2026 tournament further strengthens his reputation as a player capable of transforming a match within a few overs. His trademark ramps, sweeps and lofted drives remain as entertaining as ever, showcasing the versatility that made him a revolutionary figure in limited-overs cricket.

Here’s how fans reacted:

AB DE VILLIERS. ABSOLUTE DESTRUCTION.

The Superman of cricket puts on a breathtaking show, smashing 111 off just 40 balls, with 6 boundaries and 11 towering sixes!

A masterclass in power-hitting as South Africa Champions cruise to an effortless 8-wicket victory, with ABD… pic.twitter.com/HlUMVVZFsO

— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) October 9, 2026

AB DE VILLIERS – THE SUPERMAN OF CRICKET. 🙇‍♂️🐐

– 42 Years old Genius Ab De Villiers smashed 37 balls Hundred in successful run chase in WCL. pic.twitter.com/P88OTCf0dp

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 10, 2026

37 BALL HUNDRED FOR THE GOAT – AB DE VILLIERS SHOW IN WCL 😍 pic.twitter.com/BGiWpTXD3x

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 9, 2026

Hundred with a six at the age of 42 🔥

AB de Villiers 🐐🔥 pic.twitter.com/qnIGgbT055

— Mohit (@prime_flick) October 9, 2026

Ab de villiers century of just 37 balls
100*(37) at the age of 42 in WCL💥🥵 Alien for a reason🥵👽 #Abdevilliers #Abd pic.twitter.com/svOdIy1NuN

— sanju_d623 (@sanjud623) October 9, 2026

🚨 AB DE VILLIERS SMASHED A 37 BALL HUNDRED IN THE WCL. 🚨

– The GOAT is still at his peak. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/zM3SHWlDJP

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2026

AB de Villiers has played a sensational knock for South Africa in the WCL against Australia 💥

He hit 11 sixes in his 111*(41) 🔥#ABDevilliers #WCL pic.twitter.com/DFFwAX3nJA

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 10, 2026

& the crazy part is he just played 8 games in WCL in which he scores 4 centuries.

Goated Allien is in his sublime run of form.

AB DE VILLIERS, Take a bow GOAT. https://t.co/6VMK9mDmUs

— Suyyash (@suyyashshukla) October 10, 2026

42 Years old Genius Ab De Villiers smashed 37 balls Hundred in successful run chase in WCL.

pic.twitter.com/DiQgsqNFpS

— Dilbag Koundal ਦਿਲਬਾਗ ਕੌਂਡਲ 🇮🇳 (@dilbag_koundal) October 10, 2026

AB DE VILLIERS AT HIS BEST.
ABSOLUTE DESTRUCTION.
Smashed 111 off just 40 balls, with 6 boundaries and 11 towering sixes!#SAvAUS #ABDevilliers #T20 #Sharjah #UAE #southafricachampions #wcl #wcl2026 #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/eSgf8THBuE

— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) October 10, 2026

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