BIRMINGHAM: Former captain A.B. de Villiers’ superb century helped South Africa outplay Pakistan by nine wickets in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) here at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Chasing a tough-looking 196, South Africa raced to their target in just 16.5 overs for the loss of only one wicket thanks to A.B. de Villiers’ swashbuckling unbeaten knock of 120 off just 60 balls.

Hashim Amla (18) opened the innings alongside De Villiers who struck 12 fours and seven sixes in his breathtaking innings. He added 125 runs in an unbeaten partnership with J.P. Duminy (50 not out of 28 balls).

Earlier after electing to bat first, Pakistan posted 196 for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Opener Sharjeel Khan cracked 76 off 44 balls with the help of nine fours and four sixes while Umar Amin contributed 36 not out off 19. Pakistan added 61 runs in the last five overs as Asif Ali struck 28 off 15 balls, which included two sixes and a four. However, the total could not pose a major obstacle for South Africa.

For South Africa, Wayne Parnell (2-32) and Hardus Viljoen (2-28) were the main wicket-takers while Duanne Olivier claimed 1-38.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2025