WCL 2025 Final, Review: AB de Villiers slams third century in the tournament, orchestrates comprehensive win for South Africa

Pakistan Champions’ unbeaten run came to an end in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, as South Africa Champions lifted the coveted title on Saturday, August 2.

Mohammad Hafeez won the toss and opted to bat first in the early goings of Saturday’s mega clash. Kamran Akmal was the first batter to be dismissed in the third over. Skipper Hafeez scored a quickfire 17 off 10 balls. Shoaib Malik, however, failed to get going. He was hitting the balls to the fielders and eventually got dismissed for 20 off 25 balls.

Umar Amin and Asif Ali took the South African bowlers to the cleaners, adding 61 runs off just 31 deliveries. This was after Sharjeel Khan slammed a blistering half-century, scoring 76 off 44 balls. On the other hand, Wayne Parnell was the pick of the bowlers for his figures of 2/32 in four overs. Hardus Viljoen also took a couple of wickets. Pakistan Champions finished on 195/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, South Africa got off to a fantastic start as they knocked off 72 runs in six overs. On the last ball of power play, Hashim Amla departed for 18. After this dismissal, it became a tough encounter for the Pakistan fielders, who were quite sloppy.

De Villiers was struggling with a hamstring injury and playing the encounter as a specialist batter, with Aaron Phangiso leading the side. He came in as the Impact Player and was happy to bring up his third T20I century in the series. The Pretoria-born got to his landmark off just 47 balls.

He finished unbeaten on 120 off 60 balls, belting 12 fours and seven sixes, paving the way for South Africa’s convincing victory. JP Duminy also played a key role, stitching a partnership of 125 off 65 balls with Mr. 360. The southpaw took a liking to the Pakistan bowlers and slammed an unbeaten half-century to put South Africa into a strong position. Duminy finished unbeaten on 50 off 28 balls.

De Villiers was also dropped on a couple of occasions, and this didn’t please the Pakistani supporters in the stands. He made them pay by notching up a match-winning hundred. South Africa romped home in 16.5 overs with nine wickets to spare.

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