Latest news with #AfricaChampions
Hindustan Times
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
AB de Villiers lights up WCL final with yet another hundred, fans demand retirement U-turn after title-clinching knock
AB de Villiers' return to cricket proved to be a thoroughly triumphant one, as he struck his third century of the World Championship of Legends 2025 to lead South Africa Champions to the title over Pakistan at Edgbaston. AB de Villiers lifts the WCL 2025 trophy after hitting 120*(60) in the final vs Pakistan.(WCL Instagram) It has been a truly incredible campaign with the bat for de Villiers, who returned to a competitive cricket field with his first appearance since his retirement in 2021. In his first go on the masters' tour, de Villiers wrapped things up with an unbeaten 120* off just 60 deliveries, opening the batting and helping the Proteas chase down a target of 196 in just 16.5 overs. De Villiers' innings consisted of 12 boundaries and 7 sixes, flaying the ball all across the Edgbaston pitch as he showed he would still fit in at the highest level of the sport if he really desired. To make matters even more special, de Villiers struggled with an injury through the late stages of the innings, limping towards the end but guiding his team home. JP Duminy came in at number three and also played a very able hand, scoring 50* off just 28 deliveries to seal a nine-wicket victory with a six over long-off. De Villiers puts entire tournament to the sword De Villiers had an incredible campaign, scoring 429 runs in just 6 matches, comfortably leading the run-scoring charts and in a completely different universe compared to the other players in the tournament. He rightly picked up the honours of being the player of the tournament after a remarkable showing right through the tournament. It was a strong batting performance by Pakistan, guided by Sharjeel Khan's 76(44) opening the batting, with Wayne Parnell starring for South Africa once again with ball as he took a pair of wickets. However, it was never close for the team in Pakistan's bowling effort as de Villiers and Duminy laid into the bowlers with no remorse, completing the chase with 19 deliveries to spare. De Villiers finished the group stage of the tournament with 61* against India followed by 116* against England and 123 against Australia, making this his third century in his last four innings of the tournament. To pair with his incredible batting, de Villiers also made an impact in the field, as his last-ball run-out against Australia in the semifinal ensured the Proteas reached the final in the first place.
India.com
20-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
EXPLAINED: Why No Super Over Was Played After WI vs SA Tie In WCL 2025?
In a thrilling contest at Edgbaston during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, the clash between West Indies Champions (WI-C) and South Africa Champions (SA-C) ended in a dramatic tie. While fans eagerly anticipated a Super Over, the match took an unexpected turn when officials opted for a bowl-out to determine the winner instead. This decision left many viewers puzzled, but it was entirely in line with the tournament's official rules. What Happened in the Match? Rain affected the highly anticipated fixture, reducing it to an 11-over-per-side encounter. Despite the shortened format, both teams delivered entertaining performances and finished with 79 runs each, resulting in a rare tie. However, instead of proceeding to a Super Over, the modern cricket standard for breaking ties, the game was decided through a bowl-out, where South Africa emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Why Was There No Super Over? The absence of a Super Over was due to specific rules set by the WCL 2025 tournament committee, which state: In the case of rain-shortened matches, such as those reduced to fewer than the standard 20 overs per innings, a bowl-out will be used to resolve a tie. This rule replaces the conventional Super Over method used in full-length T20 matches. This approach revives a tie-breaking method from the early days of T20 cricket and adds a nostalgic flavor to the Legends tournament. How the Bowl-Out Worked In a bowl-out, each team selects five bowlers who take turns delivering one ball each at an unguarded set of stumps. The team that hits the stumps more times wins. Here's how the bowl-out unfolded: South Africa Champions hit the stumps twice through bowlers JJ Smuts and Wayne Parnell. West Indies Champions failed to hit the stumps on all five attempts. As a result, South Africa was declared the winner of the match. As WCL 2025 continues, this match will be remembered not just for its tight finish but also for reviving a quirky and thrilling method of deciding winners.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
De Villiers announces return to cricket
Former South African captain AB de Villiers is making his much-anticipated return to the cricket field after nearly four years. The former legend announced his comeback on Tuesday, confirming he will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). The WCL, a premier T20 tournament featuring retired and non-contracted cricket legends, is set to showcase some of the sport's greatest stars. De Villiers' return has sparked excitement within the cricketing community, with fans eager to see the versatile and fearless batsman back in action. Reflecting on his decision to return to cricket, de Villiers said, "Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn't feel the urge to play anymore. Well, time has passed, and my young sons have started playing the game." "We've been playing more and more often in the garden, and, well, it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again. So I am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I'll be ready for WCL in July," he added. His comeback is set to inject new energy into the Game Changers squad. The team, which featured cricketing legends such as Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir in its inaugural season, now has a bright future with de Villiers at the helm. Amandeep Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions & Founder of Game Changers, expressed his excitement, saying, "We are honored to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers' return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights." Harry Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions, echoed the sentiment, adding, "AB de Villiers is not just a player; he's an icon who has inspired millions around the world. His decision to lead our team is a testament to his love for the game, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him on board. This marks a historic moment for the team and the league."
