A Familiar Name, A Fresh Hundred
There are some cricketers you never really stop watching — even after they retire. AB de Villiers is one of them. Whether it was lofting fast bowlers over extra cover in the IPL or reverse-sweeping in Test matches like he was born to bend rules, AB always made batting feel like magic.
So when he walked out to bat in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), wearing the South Africa Legends jersey, there was a certain buzz — not hype, not nostalgia… just that quiet curiosity: “Can he still do it?”
Turns out, he absolutely can.
A Knock That Turned Back Time
In a recent WCL match against England Legends, AB de Villiers rolled back the years and smashed a stunning 100 off just 41 balls. It wasn’t just the number that caught the eye — it was the way he did it. Classic cover drives, those trademark paddle scoops, the casual sixes over midwicket — it felt like we were back in Bangalore, circa 2015.
He batted like a man who hadn’t missed a day. Calm, precise, and still quicker than most in the way he reads the field. The crowd? On their feet by the 30s. The opposition? Mostly watching in disbelief.
Match Context — More Than Just a Fun Knock
South Africa Legends needed someone to anchor and accelerate, and AB did both. Chasing a competitive total, the team was wobbling a little early on. Once AB settled, though, he took control of the innings like it was just another afternoon job. He paced it beautifully — not rushing, not holding back either. Just the kind of innings that makes people stop scrolling and start watching.
His century helped South Africa cruise to victory with overs to spare — and reminded everyone why he’s one of the best white-ball players the game has ever seen.
Why This Hundred Matters
Look — we all know this is a legend’s tournament. It’s not a World Cup or a bilateral series with ranking points. But even so, AB’s century isn’t just a throwback highlight — it’s a statement.
First, it shows that form and class don’t just vanish. They adapt. AB didn’t just come out swinging. He constructed that innings with the same rhythm and understanding of tempo that made him so lethal in his prime. That kind of cricketing brain doesn’t retire.
Second, it gives this tournament a little more edge. The WCL might be filled with retired stars, but matches like these remind us that these are still elite athletes who can light up a stadium and inspire the next generation.
The Bigger Picture — What This Says About AB
De Villiers hasn’t played international cricket since 2018, and while fans begged for a return before the last couple of T20 World Cups, he kept his word — no comebacks. But this century proves that he didn’t need an official stage to keep showing up.
He’s not doing this for headlines. He’s playing because he loves it. And when someone as gifted as AB plays purely for joy, the results are often better than when they’re trying to prove something.
Legends League Just Got Interesting
If you weren’t paying much attention to the World Championship of Legends before this, now might be a good time to tune in. This tournament just got its moment — and its poster boy. AB’s hundred will likely be talked about more than most recent T20 games, and it’s easy to see why.
With players like Yuvraj Singh, Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi, and Chris Gayle also in the mix, things are heating up. But right now, it’s AB’s show.
Final Thoughts
Watching AB de Villiers bat like that again felt like a breath of fresh air — not just because of nostalgia, but because it reminded us what elegance under pressure looks like. In a world of power-hitting and stat-chasing, this was just one man, his bat, and pure timing.
He didn’t come to make noise. He came to do what he’s always done — bat like no one else can.
FAQs
Q: When did AB de Villiers score this century?
In the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, in a match against England Legends.
Q: How many balls did he face?
He scored 100 off just 41 balls.
Q: Is AB back in competitive cricket?
No, he’s retired from international cricket, but he’s playing in the WCL — a league for former international stars.
Q: Who else is playing in the tournament?
Legends like Yuvraj Singh, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee, and more are part of the WCL 2025.
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