**AB de Villiers: The Genius Who Redefined Modern Cricket**
**Let's Begin**
AB de Villiers, frequently touted as "Mr. 360" for his ability to play strokes all over the pitch, is one of cricket’s most inventive and destructive batters. Born on **February 17, 1984**, in Pretoria, South Africa, Abraham Benjamin de Villiers revolutionized batting with his unorthodox stroke style, lightning-fast reflexes, and remarkable flexibility across forms.
De Villiers represented **South Africa** in international cricket and became a worldwide sensation in franchise leagues, most notably the **Indian Premier League (IPL)** with **Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)**. His career was characterized with magnificent performances, jaw-dropping improvisations, and moments that left fans and opponents in amazement.
This blog goes into: - His career stats and teams
- The **5 most memorable and surprising moments** of his career - His legacy in cricket
---
## **AB de Villiers’ Teams & Career Stats**
### **International Career (South Africa – 2004-2018)** - ** Tests:** 114 matches, 8,765 runs, average of **50.66**, 22 centuries - **ODIs:** 228 matches, 9,577 runs, average of **53.50**, 25 centuries - ** T20Is:** 78 matches, 1,672 runs, strike rate of **135.16**
### **Indian Premier League (IPL – Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2011-2021) - ** Matches:** 184 - ** Runs:** 5,162 - **Average:** 39.71 - **Strike Rate:** 151.69 - **Highest Score:** 133*
AB de Villiers was a vital player for **RCB**, creating a famous relationship with **Virat Kohli**. Despite never winning an IPL title with RCB, his efforts made him one of the league’s most beloved international players.
### **Other Franchise Leagues** - **Big Bash League (BBL)** – Brisbane Heat - **Pakistan Super League (PSL)** – Lahore Qalandars - **Caribbean Premier League (CPL)** – Barbados Tridents
---
**5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments of AB de Villiers’ Career**
### **1. Fastest ODI Century (31 Balls) versus West Indies (2015) ** **Date:** January 18, 2015 ** Venue:** Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
AB de Villiers obliterated history books as he scored the **fastest ODI century in just 31 balls**, obliterating the previous mark (36 balls by Corey Anderson).
- **Final Score:** 149 off 44 balls (16 sixes, 9 fours) - **South Africa produced 439/2**, the second-highest ODI total at the time.
- His innings contained **unbelievable reverse sweeps, scoops, and savage power-hitting**.
**Why It Was Shocking?** No one had ever witnessed such a fast onslaught in ODI cricket. De Villiers made world-class bowlers like **Jason Holder and Andre Russell** appear helpless.
---
### **2. The Superman Catch against Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2018)** **Date:** May 17, 2018 ** Venue:** M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
In an IPL match against **Sunrisers Hyderabad**, AB de Villiers pulled off one of the **greatest catches in cricket history** to remove **Alex Hales**.
- **The Play:** Hales blasted a shot towards deep mid-wicket.
- **AB’s Effort:** He rushed, leaped mid-air, and snatched the ball one-handed while balancing near the boundary rope.
**Why It Was Shocking?** The sheer athleticism and timing made this catch viral. Even pundits termed it **"superhuman."**
---
### **3. 278* versus Pakistan – Highest Test Score by a South African (2010)** ** Date:** November 20-24, 2010 ** Venue:** Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
AB de Villiers showcased his **Test match mastery** with a lengthy **278* against Pakistan**, the greatest individual score by a South African at the time.
- **Balls Faced:** 418 - **Fours:** 23 | **Sixes:** 6 - ** South Africa declared at 584/9**, subsequently winning the match.
**Why It Was Memorable?** Proved that AB wasn’t simply a T20 slogger—he could bat for days with classical technique.
---
### **4. Retirement Shock (2018) - Walking Away in His Prime ** **Date:** May 23, 2018
In a decision that shook the cricket world, **AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket at age 34**.
- **Reason:** Wanted to focus on family and franchise cricket.
- **Impact:** South Africa lost their finest batsman before the **2019 World Cup**, leaving supporters distraught.
**Why It Was Shocking?* * He was still dominating bowlers globe, and many felt he had **3-4 more years** remaining in international cricket.
---
### **5. The 2015 World Cup Heartbreak – Losing to New Zealand in Semis** ** Date:** March 24, 2015 ** Venue:** Eden Park, Auckland
South Africa was one of the strongest teams in the **2015 World Cup**, but they suffered a **last-over dramatic defeat** to New Zealand in the semi-finals.
- **AB’s Contribution:** 65* off 45 balls (brought SA close).
- **The Final Over:** Needed 12 runs, but Dale Steyn was smashed for a six by Grant Elliott.
**Why It Was Shocking?** AB was in tears after the match—fans felt this was **South Africa’s greatest chance** to win a World Cup.
---
**Conclusion: AB de Villiers’ Legacy**
AB de Villiers wasn’t simply a cricketer; he was a **artist, an innovator, and a game-changer**. His ability to play **360-degree shots**, adapt to any format, and execute under pressure made him one of the best of all time.
Though he never won a **ICC title with South Africa**, his effect on cricket is legendary. From **record-breaking centuries to gravity-defying catches**, AB de Villiers delivered fans moments that will endure forever.
Would you prefer a deeper look into any specific moment or area of his career? Let me know! 🏏🔥