De Villiers Shines with Century as South Africa Secures Victory

LEEDS: In a World Championship of Legends (WCL) match held in Headingley, Leeds on Sunday, AB de Villiers’ exceptional century, coupled with impressive bowling by Aaron Phangiso and Imran Tahir, propelled South Africa to a significant 95-run triumph against Australia.

After winning the coin toss, South Africa’s captain Phangiso chose to bat, a move that proved highly successful.

The Proteas launched an aggressive assault on the Australian bowlers, amassing a substantial 241/6 in their 20 overs.

De Villiers’ Remarkable Century

AB de Villiers achieved his second century in the competition, scoring a rapid 123 from just 46 balls, which included eight sixes and 15 fours.

JJ Smuts, opening the batting, offered excellent assistance with a swift 85 from 53 deliveries, consisting of three sixes and 10 fours.

Other batsmen did not have a substantial impact, with JP Duminy scoring 16, Van Wyk contributing three, and Henry Davids, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, and Phangiso each adding only one run.

For Australia Champions, Peter Siddle stood out, securing 3/38 in his four overs. Brett Lee, Steve O’Keefe and Daniel Christian each claimed a wicket.

Australia’s Response Falters

In reply, the Australian batting order collapsed, managing only 146 runs in pursuit of the 242-run target.

Only Ben Cutting demonstrated resilience, remaining undefeated with 59 off 29 balls, which included four sixes and six fours.

Siddle scored 19 runs, while Shaun Marsh added 18 off 13 balls, including four boundaries.

Ben Dunk and Callum Ferguson each scored 15 runs. D’Arcy Short scored 13, Rob Quiney (two), Josh Hastings (one), while Chris Lynn and Steve O’Keefe were dismissed for no score.

For South Africa Champions, Aaron Phangiso was the star performer with the ball, taking 4/13 in 3.4 overs.

Imran Tahir supported well with 3/27 in his four overs, while Wayne Parnell took two wickets and Hardus Viljoen secured one.