AB de Villiers Turns Back the Clock: Destroys Australia With Record 39-Ball Century in WCL 2025 Showdown
Cape Town, July 27, 2025 —
Age is clearly just a number for AB de Villiers. The former South African skipper, who came out of retirement to feature in the inaugural World Cricket League (WCL) 2025, stunned the cricketing world by smashing a blistering 39-ball century against Australia at Newlands, Cape Town — the fastest century ever in WCL history.
Dubbed the “Beast Mode” innings by fans on social media, de Villiers’ knock wasn’t just a nostalgia ride — it was a masterclass in power-hitting and precision, once again proving why he’s revered as one of the most dangerous batters to have ever graced the game.
The Innings That Shook WCL 2025
Walking in at No. 4 with South Africa struggling at 48/2 in the 6th over, de Villiers wasted no time. Within minutes, the crowd erupted as he started dismantling Australia’s bowling unit with a variety of scoops, flicks, pulls, and trademark reverse sweeps.
His century came in just 39 balls, decorated with:
- 9 fours
- 8 sixes
- A strike rate of over 250
- Roars of appreciation from an electrified Newlands crowd
What made it even more thrilling was that it came against a near full-strength Aussie lineup, featuring world-class pacers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Adam Zampa.
Scorecard Snapshot – WCL 2025: South Africa vs Australia
- South Africa: 212/4 in 20 overs
- AB de Villiers – 110 (43 balls)*
- Australia: 180/8 in 20 overs
- Result: South Africa won by 32 runs
A Record Rewritten
AB de Villiers’ 39-ball hundred becomes the fastest century in WCL 2025, overtaking the previous record set by Glenn Phillips (49 balls) earlier this season. It also echoes his fastest-ever ODI hundred (31 balls) against West Indies back in 2015 — making this not just a great inning, but a fitting continuation of his legacy.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the match, de Villiers said:
“I didn’t come back to prove anything. I came back for the love of the game. But today, I’ll admit — I felt like I was 28 again. The energy from the fans, the battle against the Aussies — it was electric.”
South African skipper Temba Bavuma added:
“Having AB in the squad is like having a cheat code. The way he sees the game, reads the bowlers, and times his attack — it’s genius.”
Fans Go Wild on Social Media
Within minutes of his century, #ABD39Ball100 was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans calling it:
- “The comeback of the decade”
- “Vintage ABD at his ruthless best”
- “Not human — he’s the cricketing matrix”
Cricket pundit Harsha Bhogle tweeted:
“If you wanted your kids to know who AB de Villiers really was, tonight was the perfect lesson.”
What’s Next in WCL 2025?
South Africa’s win puts them at the top of Group A in WCL 2025 with 3 wins in 4 matches. With de Villiers back in form and the Proteas firing on all cylinders, they’re now serious contenders for the title.
Meanwhile, Australia will need to regroup quickly, with their bowling unit under scrutiny after being completely neutralized by Mr. 360.
AB de Villiers may have once retired, but moments like today prove — legends never truly leave the game. With a bat in hand and fire in his heart, he didn’t just entertain — he reminded the world why he’s a once-in-a-generation cricketer.
Whether you’re a Proteas fan or not, one thing’s clear: cricket is better with AB de Villiers in it.
