Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, widely known as ‘Mr. 360’, proved age is just a number as he unleashed a spectacular 37-ball century for South Africa Champions, spearheading their eight-wicket triumph over Australia Champions in a thrilling World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium today.
The 42-year-old former Proteas captain remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 111 runs off just 40 deliveries, captivating fans with a display of power-hitting reminiscent of his prime.
AB de Villiers Smashes 37-Ball Century
Australia Champions, after opting to bat first, had set a formidable target of 210, posting 209/5 in their allotted 20 overs. D’Arcy Short was the chief architect of their innings with a rapid 66 off 25 balls, ably supported by skipper David Warner’s 48 off 37 deliveries. However, De Villiers’ heroic chase rendered their efforts insufficient.
AB De Villiers Unleashes Carnage
South Africa Champions’ chase began with an early hiccup, losing Faf du Plessis. But De Villiers, entering the fray, quickly shifted the momentum. He launched an astonishing assault on the Australian bowlers, reaching his hundred in just 37 balls – a stunning exhibition of clean hitting that included six boundaries and 11 towering maximums. His strike rate for the innings stood at a phenomenal 277.50.
Opening batsman Richard Levi also played a crucial supporting role, smashing 62 runs off just 29 balls, setting a strong foundation before De Villiers took over. JP Duminy then joined De Villiers to comfortably steer South Africa Champions to victory with 26 balls to spare, reaching the target in just 15.4 overs.
Tournament Overview and Form
This sensational century marks De Villiers’ continued dominance in the World Championship of Legends 2026. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament, having amassed 181 runs across two innings. In South Africa Champions’ opening match on October 4, he scored a fluent 70 off 39 balls against West Indies Champions, leading his team to a 97-run victory. South Africa Champions now sit atop the points table with two consecutive wins.
The World Championship of Legends 2026, the third season of the tournament, is being held in the UAE from October 3 to 18. Matches are split between the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Match Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Teams | South Africa Champions vs Australia Champions |
| Competition | World Championship of Legends 2026 |
| Stage | League Match |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE |
| Date | Friday, October 9, 2026 |
| Match Result | South Africa Champions won by 8 wickets |
| Man of the Match | AB de Villiers (111* off 40 balls) |
AB de Villiers’ masterclass serves as a powerful reminder of his extraordinary talent and enduring appeal in the world of cricket, proving he can still dominate bowling attacks with the same audacious flair that defined his international career. His performance sets a high bar for the rest of the WCL 2026, promising more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses.