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At 41, AB de Villiers proved once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs batters of all time. Despite battling a hamstring injury, the South African legend produced a breathtaking century to guide South Africa Champions to victory in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. His match-winning knock helped South Africa lift the coveted trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham, after a thumping win over Pakistan Champions on Saturday.
The triumph marked a special moment for De Villiers, who has often been described as “unlucky” when it comes to winning major international titles. While he never won an ICC trophy or an IPL title during his prime, this win gave him long-awaited silverware on the global stage.
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A Dazzling Century Under Pressure
Chasing a daunting 196, South Africa found themselves in early trouble when Hashim Amla departed cheaply. But AB de Villiers, despite visibly struggling with a hamstring issue, rose to the occasion. Blending raw power with exquisite timing, De Villiers smashed a 47-ball hundred, laced with 12 boundaries and seven massive sixes.
He made a mockery of the huge target, counter-attacking fearlessly against Pakistan’s bowlers, who had no answers to his 360-degree stroke play. De Villiers’ heroics ensured that South Africa stayed well ahead of the required run rate throughout the chase.
JP Duminy played the perfect supporting role, scoring a fluent half-century and eventually striking the winning boundary that sealed South Africa’s title triumph.
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Cometh the Hour, Cometh Superman
The victory was as much about De Villiers’ resilience as it was about his batting brilliance. Hampered by his hamstring injury, he was seen limping between the wickets but did not let it affect his aggressive intent. Every time Pakistan tried to claw back into the game, De Villiers responded with audacious strokes that kept the South African camp in control.
Social media erupted in praise, with fans and pundits hailing De Villiers as “Superman” for his heroic effort. The official broadcasters summed it up perfectly: “Cometh the hour, cometh Superman.”
Pakistan’s Efforts Fall Short
Earlier in the day, Pakistan Champions skipper Mohammad Hafeez won the toss and elected to bat first. Sharjeel Khan top-scored with a blistering 44-ball 76, powering Pakistan to 195/5. The team’s innings had strong contributions but lacked a final flourish, as South Africa’s Wayne Parnell and Hardus Viljoen struck at crucial moments, taking two wickets apiece.
Despite posting a competitive total, Pakistan’s bowling unit looked toothless in the face of De Villiers’ onslaught. Saeed Ajmal was the only wicket-taker, with other bowlers unable to contain the South African batting duo.
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South Africa Clinch the Trophy
With this victory, South Africa Champions became the winners of the second edition of the World Championship of Legends. For De Villiers, it was an emotional moment, as he finally lifted an international trophy — something that had eluded him during his illustrious career.
The celebrations reflected the significance of the win, with De Villiers proudly holding the trophy aloft as his teammates cheered. Fans celebrated not just the title, but also the fact that one of cricket’s modern greats had delivered on the grandest stage once again.
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PCB Bars Use of Country’s Name in Private Leagues
While the final was a spectacle, off-field developments involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also made headlines. According to reports, the PCB has banned teams from using the country’s name in privately-run leagues.
The decision came after frustration within the PCB when Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Irfan Pathan twice refused to play against Pakistan Champions during the tournament.
In the league stage, India Champions withdrew from a match against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian and one Nepali citizen. Both teams were awarded a point each, a result that eventually helped India Champions qualify for the semifinals despite their poor start to the tournament.
When the two sides were scheduled to meet again in the semifinals, India Champions once again pulled out, leading to Pakistan Champions’ automatic qualification for the final.
The PCB, reportedly unhappy with these developments, has now decided that in future editions, teams will not be allowed to use “Pakistan” in their names without formal clearance.
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AB de Villiers’ Fairytale Moment
For cricket fans worldwide, the biggest takeaway from the final was De Villiers’ extraordinary display. His innings was a reminder of his unmatched ability to dominate bowlers in all conditions. Even at 41, De Villiers showcased the same flair and fearlessness that made him a global superstar.
His match-winning knock also sparked discussions about the unique legacy he continues to build even after retiring from mainstream international cricket.
Reactions from Teammates and Opponents
JP Duminy lauded De Villiers’ effort, saying, “It was inspirational to watch AB bat like that despite his injury. He has always been a match-winner, and today was no different. We’re proud to lift this trophy together.”
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez acknowledged De Villiers’ brilliance, admitting that his side simply had no answers. “Sometimes you just have to appreciate greatness. AB was too good for us today,” Hafeez said after the game.
Legacy Secured
The WCL 2025 triumph will likely go down as one of the most memorable moments of De Villiers’ post-retirement cricketing career. For a player who has entertained fans for over a decade with his audacious shot-making, the final offered one more reminder of why he remains one of cricket’s most beloved figures.
As South Africa Champions celebrated their victory, fans across the world took to social media to congratulate De Villiers, calling the win a fitting reward for a cricketer who has given so much to the sport.
With silverware finally in his hands, De Villiers’ latest heroics reaffirm that age is just a number when it comes to true class. For South Africa Champions, this title marks a milestone. For De Villiers, it is a fairytale ending to a tournament where he once again proved why he is called “Mr. 360.”
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