AB de Villiers was not named in South Africa's playing XI for the World Championship of Legends final at Edgbaston today (August 2). Here's why.
The legendary batter did not appear on the team-sheet for the South Africa side's summit clash against Pakistan in Birmingham, despite having scored 309 across five matches in the competition at an average of 103. His competition strike rate sits at 228.88 having hit blistering back-to-back centuries against England and Australia. His century against Australia came off just 39 balls, bettering his previous 41-ball hundred against England. He also scored 63* in South Africa's previous group game against India.
However, De Villiers was forced out of the first XI for the final due to injury, stating before the match that he has a sore back, and leaving Aaron Phangiso to captain the team in his place. He is, however, likely be substituted into the side to bat as an impact player.
AB de Villiers is lighting up the World Championship of Legends with consecutive hundreds.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 27, 2025
He’s still got it 💪
📸: Fancode#Cricket #ABdeVilliers pic.twitter.com/BYBzIa1jYq
South Africa's playing XI featured openers Hashim Amla and JJ Smuts, and also includes JP Duminy, Jacques Rudolph, Imran Tahir and Duanne Olivier. Pakistan, meanwhile, were led by Mohammad Hafeez, and had Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Sohail Tanveer and Saeed Ajmal among others.
As a result of De Villiers' form, South Africa cruised into the knockout stages having only lost one match – their previous one against Pakistan. They faced a tougher challenge against Australia in the semi-final, however, just edging out on top by one run. Morne Van Wyk stepped up with the bat after De Villiers was uncharacteristically out for six, and scored 76 off 35 balls.
Pakistan, by comparison, went unbeaten in the group stage, and were given a by through to the final when India forfeited the match.
With South Africa fielding first in Birmingham, Pakistan finished on 195-5 in their first innings, Sharjeel Khan top-scoring with 76 off 44 balls.
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