Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, a.k.a. AB de Villiers, born on 17 February 1984, is a former South African international cricketer and a current commentator universally regarded as one of the most innovative and explosive batters in the history of cricket. His batting style gave him the nickname “Mr. 360”. He made his international debut in 2004 for his country and became a masterclass of the South African cricket era, dominating the game in all formats.
Here are 10 of his most magical, memorable moments in Test cricket.
1. Victorious 217 not out vs India in Ahmedabad
AB's highest Test score was an unbeaten 278 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2010. The match came to a draw, but the runs he scored in the match couldn’t be ignored. But his only other double century became a winning cause in 2008 against India. The track at Motera was a little bit tricky to bat on. India stumbled out at 76 on the opening day and likewise India, South Africa was also struggling at 117/4 when de Villiers walked in. He smashed a double ton bringing a win to the match. The visitors eventually concluded an innings victory within three days.
2. Calm 106 not out vs Australia in Perth
In 2008, South Africa was set a massive target of 414 by the mighty Australia. Skipper Graeme Smith after a struggling score fell soon after which AB walked in at 179/3. The match was still 50/50. With much time left in the game, AB calmly knocked off the runs alongside the partnership of first Jacques Kallis and later JP Duminy. He completed his century calmly just before South Africa completed a mite and beautiful run chase.
3. Furious 129 vs India in Centurion
Besides various records and achievements, AB is the fastest South African to hit centuries in Test Career. Accordingly, against India, he gave a blow which came in just 75 balls in 2010. In the 1st innings, the tourists tackled by Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn at 136, after which South Africa piled on the runs. Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis started a valuable partnership that provided the cake while AB added the icing. He was dismissed by Ishant Sharma at 129 off 112 balls. South Africa declared the innings at 620/4 as soon as AB was dismissed and won by an inning.
4. Crucial 33 vs Australia in Adelaide
33? Really? What’s so special here? In the second Test of the series, South Africa was under immense pressure to save the game on the final day. AB played an extraordinary 33 runs off 220 balls, showcasing his defensive and batting skills in the match. Set 430 for victory by the Aussies; the Bokke were reduced to 45/4 when AB joined by his old childhood friend and schoolmate Du Plessis. The friendly duo decided to run along and play safe, as the chase could lead to an improbable victory. AB de Villiers was finally left crease for 33 off 220 balls at the scanty strike rate of 15! In the meantime, he had eaten up valuable time helping his friend Du Plessis strike an unbeaten ton which completed the job of saving the Test and keeping the series alive.
5. Blistering 103 vs Pakistan in Johannesburg
AB scored unbeaten 103 at the Wanderers as South Africa cross-covered Pakistan by 211 runs in 2013. In that match, he not only scored a ton but also kept wickets in the Test and ended up with 11 dismissals, equalling the world record held by Jack Russell. Anyway, this all-round feat and contribution is unique in Test history. No other wicketkeeper scored a century and completed ten or more dismissals in a Test, yet another record for the 31-year-old from Pretoria.
6. Fastest Test Century vs Aussies (Centurion, 2018)
In the second Test of the series against Australia in 2018, AB scored a crucial 126* off 146 balls. The innings exhibited a perfect mixture of aggression and control, helping South Africa to a massive first-innings total of 382 in 118.4 overs. His century carried his team and showed his strong dominance against the solid Australian bowling attack.
7. Massive 174 vs England, Headingley, 2008
AB’s 174 out of 522 contributed valuable runs to shutting England out of the match. The more than seven hours of partnership with an Ashwell Prince carried the match denying England’s bowlers bringing an end to a victorious match where AB flinched a match-winning hundred in the crucial test series.
8. Majestic 163 vs Australia, Cape Town, 2009
A big blow reigned upon the Aussies in the 1st innings of 651 runs. AB’s 196 off 163 including 12 fours and seven sixes was the most essential part. Before he walked in the crease the score was already 322/3 which was already a good score that created a platform for him to carry the game where he showcased his batting skills, and delivered a big innings that shoved the Aussies aside. The match was a masterpiece where every South African player in the team showed up.
9. Whacking 278 not out vs Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, 2010
AB de Villiers in a flat surface pitch? You already know the consequences. AB smacked a whooping 278 not out off 418 balls for about 601 minutes straight that helped him achieve his highest personal best test score in November 2010. His efforts succeeded in a first innings total of majestic 584 alongside Kallis (105). His big score was undoubtedly very crucial, although the match came to a draw.
10. Handsome 148 vs West Indies, Cape Town, 2015
AB de Villiers’ 148 out of a South African 1st innings of 421 tore apart the Indies. The Indies had set back the match with South Africa by trailing them 172 runs with various wickets clinched. It was 157/3 when de Villiers stepped in with the bat—his 148 of 194 balls featuring furious 15 fours and a marvelous six. The innings were concluded in a victory, securing the test series 2-0.
