Edgbaston, August 1 – The final of the World Championship of Legends 2025 turned into a one-man show as AB de Villiers rolled back the years with a jaw-dropping unbeaten century, guiding South Africa Champions (SAC) to a commanding 9-wicket win over Pakistan Champions in the summit clash.
Chasing a formidable target of 196, South Africa made it look like a walk in the park, reaching 197/1 in just 16.5 overs, with 19 balls to spare. It was a masterclass in T20 batting, led by de Villiers, who smashed a scintillating 120 off 60 deliveries*, including explosive strokeplay and flawless timing.
Pakistan Set a Challenging Total
Earlier, Pakistan Champions won the toss and opted to bat first at Edgbaston, posting a competitive 195/5 in 20 overs.
Sharjeel Khan set the tone with a powerful 76 off 44 balls, peppering the boundary with 8 fours and 4 sixes. Umar Amin provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 36 off 19 balls, while Asif Ali added a quickfire 28 off 15.
South Africa’s bowlers, though expensive, kept picking timely wickets. Wayne Parnell stood out with 2/32 in 4 overs, while Hardus Viljoen claimed 2/38. Duanne Olivier chipped in with a wicket despite going for 38 in his quota.
De Villiers Turns Back Time
When South Africa came out to chase, they had one clear mission — attack from the start. And AB de Villiers, the legendary Proteas batter, delivered a vintage performance that thrilled the Edgbaston crowd.
He dominated the bowlers from ball one, crafting a magnificent 120 not out off just 60 balls, hitting boundaries at will and clearing the ropes with effortless grace. His knock featured classic cover drives, innovative scoop shots, and towering sixes that left the Pakistani bowlers helpless.
He was brilliantly supported by JP Duminy, who played the perfect foil with a calm and composed 50 off 28 balls*. Together, the duo added an unbroken 179-run partnership, sealing the win in just 16.5 overs.
Pakistan’s Bowling Falters
Despite defending a big total, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to apply pressure. Saeed Ajmal was the only wicket-taker, dismissing Hashim Amla (18 off 14), but the rest of the attack had no answers to the onslaught.
Mohammad Hafeez and Aamer Yamin were expensive, conceding 13 and 15 runs respectively in their solitary overs. The lack of discipline and variety in bowling lines cost Pakistan dearly in the final.
A Fitting Finale
With this emphatic win, South Africa Champions clinched the World Championship of Legends 2025 title, capping off a thrilling tournament in style. AB de Villiers was unsurprisingly named Player of the Match for his unforgettable century that sealed the title for his side.
This tournament proved that legends may age, but class is eternal. The final was a perfect celebration of cricketing greatness — and AB de Villiers, once again, reminded the world of his unmatched brilliance.
Match Summary:
Pakistan Champions – 195/5 (20 overs)
Sharjeel Khan 76 (44), Umar Amin 36* (19)
Wayne Parnell 2/32, Hardus Viljoen 2/38
South Africa Champions – 197/1 (16.5 overs)
AB de Villiers 120* (60), JP Duminy 50* (28)
Saeed Ajmal 1/32
Result: South Africa Champions won by 9 wickets (with 19 balls remaining)
Venue: Edgbaston
Toss: Pakistan Champions won and opted to bat
