AB de Villiers is a former South African cricketer who is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport. He began his international career as a wicket-keeper-batsman, but he has played most often solely as a batsman.
He batted at various positions in the batting order, but predominantly in the middle-order. Regarded as one of the most innovative and destructive batsmen in the modern era, de Villiers is known for a range of unorthodox shots, particularly behind the wicket-keeper.
He was a major factor in registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007. He also helped his team to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament’s previous editions.
De Villiers broke several records during his innings of 162 off 66 balls against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup, including the fastest fifty, hundred, and 150 in ODI cricket, all against West Indies. He also registered the highest team total on Australian soil, an astonishing 408 on what was a slow and two-paced pitch.
In December 2015, de Villiers’ resilient innings of 43 off 297 balls helped salvage the Test match against India on a slow and turning Delhi pitch. His innings, which lasted for 354 minutes, was a testament to his exceptional batting technique and his ability to perform under pressure.
Fast Forward to History Books, De Villiers Such a Batter
AB de Villiers’ innings of 162 off 66 balls against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup is considered one of the greatest ODI innings of all time. De Villiers broke several records during his innings, including the fastest fifty, hundred, and 150 in ODI cricket, all against West Indies.
He also registered the highest team total on Australian soil, an astonishing 408 on what was a slow and two-paced pitch. De Villiers’ innings had a significant impact on the match, leading South Africa to a massive 257-run victory.
Despite being unwell and not warming up before the game, De Villiers displayed his extraordinary batting skills by striking 17 fours and eight sixes during his explosive innings. He described the moments before his innings as if everything was happening in slow motion, and he had a unique perception of the game.
AB de Villiers’ Test Match Masterclass: The 43 off 297 Balls Innings
In December 2015, South Africa’s AB de Villiers faced a formidable challenge against India on a slow and turning Delhi pitch. With the Proteas in a precarious position, de Villiers’ resilient innings of 43 off 297 balls helped salvage the Test match.
His innings, which lasted for 354 minutes, was a testament to his exceptional batting technique and his ability to perform under pressure. De Villiers’ innings included 4 fours and no sixes, as he displayed a disciplined approach to counter India’s spin attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin.
De Villiers’ innings was a stark contrast to his explosive ODI performance against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup, where he broke several records, including the fastest fifty, hundred, and 150 in ODI cricket.
His innings in Delhi, however, demonstrated his versatility as a batsman, capable of adapting to different conditions and situations.
Despite the contrasting styles of play, de Villiers’ innings in both matches showcased his exceptional batting skills and his ability to perform under pressure. His innings in Delhi were a hallmark to his discipline and his ability to curb his natural instincts to display dogged batting.
