Birmingham: In a fitting climax to a stellar career, AB de Villiers famously known as 'Mr. 360' delivered a batting masterclass that powered South Africa to a commanding nine-wicket win over Pakistan in the final of the World Championship of Legends at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The Proteas Legends chased down a formidable target of 196 with remarkable ease, sealing the title in just 16.5 overs.
This thrilling finale was more than just a match it was a curtain call for one of cricket's most electrifying icons, and he left the stage in style, with an unbeaten 120 off 60 balls, a knock studded with 12 fours and seven towering sixes. De Villiers’ masterstroke not only handed his team the trophy but immortalized his final innings as one of legend.
Electing to bat first, the Pakistan Champions posted an impressive 195/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Sharjeel Khan laid the foundation with a robust 76 off 44 balls, peppering the boundaries with flair. He was well supported by Umar Amin (36 off 19) and Asif Ali (28 off 15), as Pakistan built what looked like a challenging total.
However, South Africa’s bowlers did enough to contain the late surge. Hard-hitting was curbed in the death overs thanks to tight spells by Hardus Viljoen and Wayne Parnell, who picked up two wickets apiece. Duanne Olivier also chipped in with one. While Pakistan's innings had momentum, it was clear they'd need a special bowling effort to defend it.
Chasing 196 in a final requires not just skill but nerves of steel and AB de Villiers had both in abundance. Opening alongside veteran Hashim Amla, the captain anchored the chase with calm authority. Amla fell early for 18, but from then on, it was the De Villiers-Duminy show.
Jean-Paul Duminy played the perfect second fiddle, rotating strike effortlessly and contributing an unbeaten 50. Their unbroken 123-run partnership dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, with every bowler sent to the cleaners. Seam, spin, or swing nothing could stop the De Villiers onslaught.
By the time South Africa crossed the finish line in the 17th over, the Pakistani fielders could only watch as the ball disappeared into the stands time and again.
This win is doubly sweet for South Africa, not only because of the title but also because it came against a team that advanced to the final after India’s withdrawal in the semi-final. In a symbolic twist of fate, the team that finished runners-up in last year’s inaugural edition came back to lift the trophy this time on the shoulders of their talismanic skipper.
The match also closes a memorable chapter in the world of cricket. If this truly marks AB de Villiers’ final appearance in a competitive setting, then his parting gift to fans is a masterclass for the ages a final ‘show’ of precision, innovation, and flair that defined his entire career.
As the crowd erupted in applause and teammates hoisted the champion high, it was clear: the title was South Africa’s, but the night belonged to AB de Villiers.