Cricket enthusiasts were treated to a magnificent trip down memory lane as the legendary AB de Villiers orchestrated a masterclass in batting during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026. Representing the South Africa Champions, the iconic batsman showcased his timeless artistry at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, powering through a sensational century against Australia Champions. The performance served as a vivid reminder of the unparalleled talent that earned him the legendary moniker ‘Mr. 360’.
At the age of 42, De Villiers displayed no signs of diminished capability, utterly dismantling the Australian bowling lineup with an exhibition of clean hitting. His phenomenal, unbeaten knock of 111 runs from merely 40 deliveries propelled the South Africa Champions to an emphatic victory while chasing a formidable target of 210 runs.
AB de Villiers smacks century in just 37 balls
Confronted with a steep chase, De Villiers assumed immediate control of the innings, placing the Australian attack under relentless pressure. His aggressive intent ensured that the South African chase maintained an exceptional run rate from the outset.
The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter brought up his milestone century in just 37 balls, cementing one of the most explosive displays of the tournament. Finishing not out on 111 off 40 balls, he seamlessly blended fearless aggression with the creative, unconventional strokes that define his legendary career.
His explosive innings included six boundaries and eleven towering sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers with no viable options to contain him. Through a mix of brute force over the ropes and delicate, innovative placements, De Villiers delivered a pure batting spectacle to the fans.
South Africa Champions complete a dominant run chase
Powered by De Villiers’ whirlwind knock, the South Africa Champions successfully chased down the 210-run target in just 15.4 overs. What seemed like a challenging pursuit quickly devolved into a dominant exhibition. Rather than letting the required run rate dictate the tempo, De Villiers took the initiative to the bowlers, simplifying the chase and steering his team to a comfortable triumph.
The innings underscored De Villiers’ enduring capacity to shine on the grandest stage. Even in his post-international retirement, the former Proteas star continues to exhibit the timing, raw power, and creative flair that established him as one of the most formidable cricketers of his era.
WCL 2026 adds another chapter to De Villiers’ legacy
De Villiers has solidified his status as one of the premier attractions of the World Championship of Legends. His stellar performances in the 2025 edition were instrumental in leading the South Africa Champions to their title triumph, highlighted by a 41-ball century against England and an unbeaten 120 in the final against Pakistan.
His latest century in the 2026 edition further cements his legacy as a match-winner capable of turning games over in a matter of overs. His iconic ramps, sweeps, and lofted drives continue to captivate audiences, highlighting the extraordinary versatility that revolutionized limited-overs cricket.
Here’s how fans reacted:
AB DE VILLIERS. ABSOLUTE DESTRUCTION.
The Superman of cricket puts on a breathtaking show, smashing 111 off just 40 balls, with 6 boundaries and 11 towering sixes!
A masterclass in power-hitting as South Africa Champions cruise to an effortless 8-wicket victory, with ABD… pic.twitter.com/HlUMVVZFsO
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) October 9, 2026
AB DE VILLIERS – THE SUPERMAN OF CRICKET.
– 42 Years old Genius Ab De Villiers smashed 37 balls Hundred in successful run chase in WCL. pic.twitter.com/P88OTCf0dp
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 10, 2026
37 BALL HUNDRED FOR THE GOAT – AB DE VILLIERS SHOW IN WCL pic.twitter.com/BGiWpTXD3x
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 9, 2026
Hundred with a six at the age of 42
AB de Villiers pic.twitter.com/qnIGgbT055
— Mohit (@prime_flick) October 9, 2026
Ab de villiers century of just 37 balls
100*(37) at the age of 42 in WCL Alien for a reason #Abdevilliers #Abd pic.twitter.com/svOdIy1NuN— sanju_d623 (@sanjud623) October 9, 2026
AB DE VILLIERS SMASHED A 37 BALL HUNDRED IN THE WCL.
– The GOAT is still at his peak. pic.twitter.com/zM3SHWlDJP
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2026
AB de Villiers has played a sensational knock for South Africa in the WCL against Australia
He hit 11 sixes in his 111*(41) #ABDevilliers #WCL pic.twitter.com/DFFwAX3nJA
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 10, 2026
& the crazy part is he just played 8 games in WCL in which he scores 4 centuries.
Goated Allien is in his sublime run of form.
AB DE VILLIERS, Take a bow GOAT. https://t.co/6VMK9mDmUs
— Suyyash (@suyyashshukla) October 10, 2026
42 Years old Genius Ab De Villiers smashed 37 balls Hundred in successful run chase in WCL.
— Dilbag Koundal ਦਿਲਬਾਗ ਕੌਂਡਲ (@dilbag_koundal) October 10, 2026
AB DE VILLIERS AT HIS BEST.
ABSOLUTE DESTRUCTION.
Smashed 111 off just 40 balls, with 6 boundaries and 11 towering sixes!#SAvAUS #ABDevilliers #T20 #Sharjah #UAE #southafricachampions #wcl #wcl2026 #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/eSgf8THBuE— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) October 10, 2026
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