AB de Villiers reminded cricket fans why he earned the nickname ‘Mr. 360’ with a spectacular batting display in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026. The South Africa Champions captain smashed 70 runs from just 39 balls against West Indies Champions, producing the kind of fearless strokeplay that made him one of the most entertaining batters of his generation.
De Villiers’ explosive innings came as South Africa Champions posted a massive total at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
AB de Villiers turns back the clock
The moment de Villiers walked to the crease, there was a sense that something special could unfold. The former South Africa international did not take long to find his rhythm and quickly began attacking the West Indies bowling attack.
He brought up his half-century in just 27 balls, demonstrating the extraordinary range of shots that became his trademark during his international career.
50 for Mr. 360! 🔥💯
AB de Villiers puts on a show with a massive knock! What a way to watch a legend roll back the years. 👑🏏#wcl #wcl2026 #warofchampions pic.twitter.com/RQlU3YWD4R— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) October 4, 2026
By the time his innings ended, de Villiers had scored 70 off 39 deliveries, with four fours and five sixes. His ability to find boundaries in different areas of the ground once again showcased why he became synonymous with 360-degree batting.
@abdevilliers17 masterclass 🔥🚀❤️#wcl #wcl2026 #warofchampions #worldchampionshipoflegends pic.twitter.com/oPKrUB6KBT
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) October 4, 2026
Rather than relying on conventional scoring areas, de Villiers repeatedly manipulated the field and found gaps that seemed unavailable to other batters. His innovative strokeplay turned the pressure back onto the bowlers and gave South Africa Champions enormous momentum.
Richard Levi provides South Africa a perfect support
While de Villiers grabbed the headlines, Richard Levi played an equally important role at the top of the South Africa Champions innings.
Levi smashed a superb 87, providing the foundation for the team’s imposing total. His aggressive approach ensured that South Africa maintained a strong scoring rate from the early overs.
The partnership between the experienced batters gave South Africa Champions the platform they needed. Levi’s power hitting and de Villiers’ improvisation created constant problems for the West Indies bowlers.
South Africa eventually finished on 242/5, leaving West Indies with a steep target to chase.
Also WATCH: 42-year-old Dwayne Bravo takes age-defying catch to dismiss Faf du Plessis in WCL 2026
West Indies struggle in the run chase
Chasing 243 was always going to require an explosive start from West Indies Champions, and Chris Gayle attempted to provide exactly that.
The veteran left-hander produced some trademark attacking strokes in his 31-ball 60, but the rest of the batting order struggled to maintain the required momentum.
South Africa’s spinners – Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso – kept taking wickets at crucial moments, preventing West Indies from building a substantial partnership. The Men in Marron were eventually dismissed for 145 in 18.2 overs, falling 97 runs short of the target.
Also WATCH: Yuvraj Singh smashes 5 fours and 6 sixes as India beat Australia in WCL 2026
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