Former South Africa batting great AB de Villiers turned back the clock with a breathtaking unbeaten 111 off just 40 balls in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026, powering South Africa Champions to an eight-wicket victory over Australia Champions on Friday, October 9.
De Villiers reached his century in only 37 deliveries, delivering a spectacular display of power-hitting that reminded fans why he was regarded as one of the most innovative batters in modern cricket. South Africa Champions chased down a target of 210 in just 15.2 overs, finishing at 213 for two.
The 42-year-old’s innings featured six fours and 11 sixes, as he dismantled the Australian bowling attack with a remarkable range of shots. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and became one of the standout highlights of the tournament.
De Villiers dominates with a 37-ball century
Walking in at No. 3, de Villiers wasted little time settling into his innings. He attacked from the outset, finding gaps with precision and clearing the boundary with ease.
His 111 not out came at an extraordinary strike rate of 277.5. The South African star struck six boundaries and 11 sixes, repeatedly sending the ball over the ropes on both sides of the wicket.
De Villiers displayed the full range of his batting repertoire, striking powerful shots over cover, long-off and long-on, while repeatedly targeting deep mid-wicket. His ability to switch between conventional strokes and inventive shot-making left the Australian bowlers searching for answers.
The century arrived in just 37 balls, underlining the pace of his innings. Even in a tournament featuring several retired international stars, de Villiers stood out with a performance that recalled his best years in international and franchise cricket.
Richard Levi provides valuable support
De Villiers was not alone in South Africa Champions’ successful chase. Opening batter Richard Levi played an important supporting role, scoring 62 off 29 deliveries.
Levi’s aggressive start ensured the required run rate remained under control and allowed de Villiers to attack without needing to take unnecessary risks. The pair put South Africa Champions in a commanding position during the early stages of the chase.
With the target coming down rapidly, the Australian bowlers struggled to find a way to slow the scoring. De Villiers continued to accelerate, and his dominance meant that experienced South African batters Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy did not need to make substantial contributions.
South Africa Champions completed the chase with 28 balls remaining, securing a comfortable eight-wicket win. The result highlighted the team’s batting depth and the impact of having an in-form de Villiers at the crease.
Australia Champions post 209 for five
Earlier, Australia Champions scored 209 for five in their allotted 20 overs after producing a competitive batting performance.
D’Arcy Short, David Warner and Joe Burns made important contributions to the total, giving Australia a strong platform and setting South Africa Champions a target of 210.
The score appeared challenging on paper, particularly against an experienced Australian line-up. However, de Villiers quickly changed the nature of the contest by attacking the bowling from the start of his innings.
South Africa Champions’ response demonstrated how aggressive batting can transform a demanding chase into a one-sided contest. The Australian bowlers were unable to contain the scoring once de Villiers and Levi established control.
De Villiers continues to shine after retirement
De Villiers retired from international cricket in 2018, but his performances in the World Championship of Legends have demonstrated that his remarkable batting instincts remain intact.
He also enjoyed a sensational WCL campaign in 2025, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 429 runs in six matches. His tally included three centuries and a half-century, scored at a strike rate of 220.
The South African great’s latest innings adds to that record and reinforces his popularity among cricket fans who continue to follow his performances in veterans’ competitions.
De Villiers last featured in professional franchise cricket during the 2021 Indian Premier League season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Since then, his appearances have been limited, making his sustained level of performance in the WCL particularly noteworthy.
His ability to generate power while maintaining control and placement remains a defining feature of his batting. The 111-run knock against Australia Champions was another reminder of the skill that made him one of the most feared batters in the game.
WCL gives former international stars another stage
The World Championship of Legends brings together former international cricketers, allowing fans to watch familiar names compete in a competitive setting after their international careers.
The tournament features several well-known players from different cricketing nations and offers an opportunity to revisit rivalries that once defined international cricket.
De Villiers’ innings against Australia Champions was an ideal showcase for the competition, combining nostalgia with high-quality batting. His performance also provided a major boost to South Africa Champions as they continue their WCL 2026 campaign.
For Australia Champions, the defeat will be disappointing after posting more than 200 runs. However, the match demonstrated the challenge of defending a total against a batter capable of scoring at such an extraordinary rate.
A memorable night for South Africa Champions
De Villiers’ unbeaten 111 off 40 balls was the defining performance of the contest, helping South Africa Champions complete a dominant chase and secure an eight-wicket victory.
His 37-ball century, combined with Levi’s rapid half-century, ensured that the target of 210 was reached with ease. The innings also served as a reminder of de Villiers’ extraordinary talent and his enduring ability to entertain cricket fans.
As the World Championship of Legends continues, South Africa Champions will hope their star batter can maintain this form and help the team progress further in the tournament.