AB de Villiers defied a hamstring injury to smash a magnificent century, leading South Africa Champions to victory over Pakistan Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends.
De Villiers Delivers a Masterclass
Cricket legend AB de Villiers proved he still has what it takes, hitting a sensational century in the World Championship of Legends final. The 41-year-old, often unlucky with major trophy wins during his career, finally lifted some silverware with South Africa Champions.
Despite battling a hamstring injury, De Villiers was unstoppable. He reached his hundred off just 47 balls, an innings studded with 12 boundaries and seven massive sixes.
A Challenging Chase
South Africa Champions faced a daunting target of 196 runs set by Pakistan. Early in their chase, South Africa lost opener Hashim Amla, putting pressure on the batting lineup.
However, De Villiers found an excellent partner in JP Duminy, who also contributed a crucial half-century. Duminy ultimately hit the winning runs, securing the championship for South Africa.
Pakistan’s Innings
Earlier in the match, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez won the toss and opted to bat first. Sharjeel Khan was the star for Pakistan, scoring an impressive 76 runs off 44 deliveries.
His efforts helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 195 for 5. South African bowlers Wayne Parnell and Hardus Viljoen were effective, each picking up two wickets.
However, when it came to defending the total, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled. Saeed Ajmal was the only bowler to claim a wicket against the dominant South African batting.
New Rules for Country Names
In a related development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly banned the use of the country’s name in all privately-run cricket leagues. This decision came after incidents during the World Championship of Legends where Indian players twice refused to play against Pakistan Champions.
Sources indicate the PCB expressed frustration after Indian cricketers, including Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, pulled out of matches against Pakistan. The first instance was a league stage match following a terror attack, which resulted in both teams being awarded one point each.
That single point proved crucial, helping India reach the semifinals despite a winless run previously. India Champions were then scheduled to face Pakistan Champions again in the semifinals, but withdrew once more, allowing Pakistan to advance to the final.
The report suggests that while Pakistan Champions were allowed to play the final against South Africa, they will be barred from using the name “Pakistan” in future events without formal clearance from the PCB.
- AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten century (100 off 47 balls) despite a hamstring injury.
- South Africa Champions defeated Pakistan Champions to win the World Championship of Legends.
- JP Duminy provided key support with a half-century and hit the winning runs.
- The PCB has reportedly banned the use of ‘Pakistan’ in private leagues due to India’s refusal to play them.
The tournament concluded with South Africa Champions lifting the trophy, a testament to De Villiers’ enduring brilliance and leadership.
