Top 5 knocks of AB de Villiers in international cricket

Watch AB de Villiers bat, and you will feel that you want to watch him all day. A batsman blessed with supreme ability, de Villiers can play every shot in the book. The South African legend can toy with any bowling attack on his day, and his exploits with the willow have endeared him to millions of fans in the world of cricket.

AB de Villiers has accumulated scintillating numbers in international cricket and will qualify as one of the all-time greats that South Africa has ever produced. The right-hander has featured in 114 Test matches for South Africa and has scored 8765 runs at an average in excess of 50.

The 37-year-old has also played 228 ODI matches for the Proteas and has amassed 9577 runs at an average of 53.50. The batting icon has scored a total of 47 hundreds in his international career. In this article, let us take a look at the top five knocks of AB de Villiers in international cricket.

5. 71 (29) vs England (T20Is)

AB de Villiers’ sensational assault with the willow left the England bowlers dumbstruck on 21st February 2016. Batting first, England posted a total of 171 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, South Africa chased down the target with 9 wickets and 5.2 overs to spare. AB de Villiers was the wrecker-in-chief for South Africa with the willow. The legendary batsman scored a 29-ball 71, including 6 fours and 6 sixes to pulverize the England bowling attack.

4. 174 (381) vs England (Tests)

In July 2008, AB de Villiers proved to the world that he can play the waiting game as well. England batted first and posted a total of 203 on the board. In reply, South Africa piled up a total of 522, with AB de Villiers leading the way. The right-hander consumed 381 balls and scored a splendid 174. The South African batting maestro’s knock was embellished with 19 fours, and he helped South Africa thrash England with 10 wickets to spare.

3. 162* (66) vs West Indies (ODIs)

During a league stage match of the 2015 World Cup, the West Indian bowlers were left clueless as AB de Villiers smashed 162* off just 66 deliveries to power South Africa to a total of 408/5. The South African batting maestro’s knock was studded with 17 fours and 8 sixes. In reply, the West Indian side was shot out for a paltry total of just 151, as the Proteas crushed the ‘Men in Maroon’ by 257 runs.

2. 217* (333) vs India (Tests)

AB de Villiers’ classic 217* off 333 deliveries allowed South Africa to wallop India by an innings and 90 runs at Ahmedabad. Batting first, India was bowled out for just 76 in the first innings. In reply, South Africa piled up a total of 494/7 on the board, with de Villiers as the guiding light. The right-hander scored a classic double ton to render the Indian team clueless. In their second innings, India was bowled out for a total of 328.

1. 149 (44) vs West Indies (ODIs)

This is a knock that will live on in the minds of cricket fans for posterity. At the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, AB de Villiers enchanted the packed crowd by scoring a 44-ball 149, treating the opposition bowlers with a sense of nonchalance. His rampaging assault allowed South Africa to pile up a total of 439/2 on the board. In reply, the West Indian side came nowhere even close to the target and could muster only 291/7 in their quota of 50 overs.