5 Incredible Knocks that separate AB de Villiers from the rest

5 Incredible Knocks that separate AB de Villiers from the rest: The time has perhaps come for a research on whether AB de Villiers is actually human or simply an extra terrestrial supernatural. Cricketing pundits are struggling to find roles he can’t play on the field. It is one thing to be the best batsman in the world and quite another to be that by some distance and across formats. AB by every standard is the unconquered numero uno in world cricket at the moment. Courtesy the quality of innings he often displays, even the conservatives and the more reserved voices go gaga over this individual. If you are a true cricket fan you’ve got to love watching him bat. Here we take a look at his top 5 knocks that make him stand in a completely separate league of his own: 1. 162* v/s West Indies: Ab De Villiers 162* vs WI. (© Getty Images) The superlative performance came in the 2015 World Cup where he murdered the Caribbean attack with his outstanding stroke play scoring a mind boggling 162 off just 66 deliveries at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He scored the century in just 52 balls, the second fastest in World Cups. The knock powered South Africa to 408-5 in their allotted 50 over’s, the second highest total in a World Cup contest. Whatever the West Indies team tried, de Villiers just kept hitting them further and further into the stands. 2. 149 v/s West Indies: Ab de Villiers 149* vs WI. (Photo Source: Gallo Images) ABD seems to have a certain love affair with the Caribbean boys. Before his scintillating century in the World Cup he, smashed the fastest ODI century in just 31 balls to break the one year old record of Corey Anderson (36 balls). The Wanderers was treated to an outrageous display of stroke-play that day and the West Indian attack was decimated and taken to the cleaners by the Proteas skipper. His fabulous knock overshadowed Riley Rousseau’s maiden ODI hundred. 3. 169 v/s Australia: Ab de Villiers 169 vs Aus. (Photo Source: AFP) Having famously drawn the Adelaide test of the 2012 series in Australia, SA were looking to upset the Aussies on their home turf. The challenge wasn’t going to be an easy one considering the venue, Perth. But this is where AB came to the party and showed his real class to score 169 and help South Africa take a crucial and decisive lead over Australia. All Aussie bowlers were in for punishment, and looked frustrated all the while de Villiers was at the crease. South Africa went on to win the match and take the series 1-0. 4. 278* v/s Pakistan: Ab de Villiers 278* vs Pakistan. (Photo Source: AFP) The Sheikh Zayed cricket stadium in Abu Dhabi witnessed a herculean effort from South Africa’s favourite son in 2010. Playing against Pakistan in what was effectively a home ground for them, AB showed tremendous zeal to overpower the spin threat on a slow track. The innings eventually ensured that South Africa went on to draw the second test of the series. That was also the second highest score by a South African in test cricket behind Hashim Amla’s 311. 5. 217* v/s India: Ab de Villiers 217 vs India. (Photo Source: Getty Images) After the 319 from Virender Sehwag in the opening test of the 2008 series, many thought that they had seen it all. But AB de Villiers had different ideas. After the first test ending in a high scoring draw SA were looking to inch ahead in Ahmedabad and de Villiers provided just the right knock to seal the initiative after Dale Steyn wrecked havoc to dismiss the home team for a paltry 76 in the first innings. Considering the calibre of the Indian attack this was certainly a knock to be cherished for the South African star. The visitors went on to win the match by an innings.