One of the best batsmen to have ever played the game, AB De Villiers has played multiple innings that have defied the laws of physics and sport itself. Here are a look at 7 of the best:
69* vs England:
In a tense match between England and South Africa in the World T20 of 2014, AB De Villiers smashed a defiant 69* off just 28 deliveries as South Africa managed to win the game by three runs. Slumping at 128-3 after a great start, the stage was set for someone to bring out the fireworks and AB did that.
The last four overs saw him blaze the English bowlers to all parts of the ground as he upped the rate and bought them to an astonishing 196 runs in 20 overs. It proved just enough as SA won the game by 3 runs and went on to the semis.
136* vs Australia:
Chasing 328, South Africa needed their big guns to stand up in the first match of their tri-series versus Australia. They got off to a decent start but were pegged back at just 58/2 when AB stepped in. He batted brilliantly with Faf du Plessis who hit 106.
He upped the rate and smashed the Aussies to all parts of the ground as South Africa inched closer to the target. Towards the end, he went berserk as he finished on 136* as SA chased the score down comfortably.
116 vs Australia:
While AB is known to be an attacking batsman who can go at a phenomenal strike rate, this innings proved that he was a complete cricketer. He batted and slugged it out in the middle to keep his country in a game where they had to win.
Playing a tough Aussie bowling line up, AB De Villiers ground out a majestic 116 as South Africa went from 200/5 to 423. They eventually went on to win the game by 231 runs thanks to AB’s innings.
217* vs India:
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Playing in the second Test of South Africa’s tour of India, AB De Villiers managed to play one of the finest innings by a South African batsman as they batted India out of the game. Bowled out for just 71, India would have looked to consolidate in the second innings.
Instead, they were dealt a lesson by AB De Villiers and Kallis as they batted the Indians out of the game and managed to win. De Villiers’ 217* was a treat to watch as he hit the bowlers to all parts.
33 vs Australia:
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Not a score that would even remotely be considered a great innings but when viewed under the circumstances it was played in, it is one of the greatest fights put by a batsman. Chasing 430, South Africa were reeling at 77/4 when AB De Villiers and Faf frustrated the Aussies by batting 67 overs.
AB De Villiers hit 33 runs in 220 balls at a strike rate of just 15 to ensure that the game ended up in a draw. His innings was gritty and unselfish as he ensured his country did not lose a game from a tough position.
278* vs Pakistan:
Coming out to face Pakistan in Dubai back in 2010, South Africa were in trouble at just 33/3 when De Villiers strolled in. He then consolidated their position with Jacques Kallis as the two of them played carefully.
At the end of the first innings, SA were 584/7 with De Villiers batting at a massive 278* as they ended up taking the game away from Pakistan. The test match ended up being drawn but the innings was a special one.
149 vs West Indies:
The most punishing ODI innings ever seen by man included 16 sixes and a century off just 31 balls against the Windies. De Villiers smashed the Windies bowlers to all parts in just an hour and completely shaded a brilliant opening partnership of 247 runs.
By the end of his short one hour stay at the crease, he had hit the fastest century in ODI cricket and such carnage has never been seen before or after by any batsman. AB de Villiers smashed 149 runs off 44 balls.
