AB de Villiers ended his trophy drought (Image Credit - X)
AB de Villiers delivered a fairytale finish to his career-long trophy drought, blasting an unbeaten 120* off 60 balls to guide South Africa Champions to their maiden World Championship of Legends (WCL) title. Chasing 196, South Africa romped home with 9 wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare, capping off a stunning turnaround from their 2024 disappointment. With this knock, de Villiers not only secured victory but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Pakistan Champions opted to bat first after winning the toss, hoping to put pressure on South Africa in the high-stakes final. Sharjeel Khan’s fluent 76 anchored the innings, as Pakistan posted a strong 195/5. However, they lost momentum at key moments thanks to tight spells from Wayne Parnell (2/32) and Hardus Viljoen (2/38). Despite the promising total, Pakistan’s hopes of redemption after the 2024 final loss were undone by what came next.
South Africa’s reply was nothing short of spectacular. AB de Villiers, battling a hamstring strain, lit up the final with strokeplay reminiscent of his prime. Supported by Hashim Amla early and then JP Duminy, he dismantled Pakistan’s attack and ended the chase in just 16.5 overs. His 125-run stand with Duminy was a clinic in timing and pressure management. De Villiers ended the tournament as Player of the Match, Player of the Tournament, top run-scorer, and leader in centuries—an all-time great finishing in style.
As South Africa lifted their first WCL title, emotions ran high. De Villiers teared up as he held the trophy, later revealing that it was his children who convinced him to come back for one last run. From underwhelming in 2024 to unstoppable in 2025, South Africa’s rise was powered by belief and by a man who rewrote his story under the brightest lights. This final will be remembered not just as a win, but as AB de Villiers’ ultimate redemption.
Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
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