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AB de Villiers iconic watch South Africa versus England masterclass remembered

AB de Villiers iconic watch South Africa versus England masterclass remembered

There are few names in cricket history that ignite immediate excitement and reverence and among them AB de Villiers shines brightest. Known as Mr 360 for his bewildering range of shots de Villiers turned encounters between South Africa and England into masterpieces of batting artistry and nerve.

Whether it was a pressure laden chase or a dominant series clincher de Villiers delivered with flair and calm that defined modern limited overs batting.

A series defining century that turned the tide

Let’s revisit that electrifying moment at Newlands Cape Town in February 2016. It was the fifth ODI of the series and the decider. South Africa had stumbled to a precarious 22 for 3 and the entire series hung in balance.

Enter the captain AB de Villiers watch England 

He crafted a sensational unbeaten 101 off 97 balls steadying the ship alongside Hashim Amla in what would become a defining 125‑run fourth wicket partnership. With composure and aggressive timing Mr 360 guided South Africa to a five‑wicket win with six overs to spare sealing a remarkable series comeback after trailing 2‑0 . His century not only secured the game but completed a rare turnaround—only the third time in ODI history a team won a five‑match series after losing the first two .

A destructive festival of shotmaking at Newlands in 2009

De Villiers’s flair was on show even earlier in 2009 during South Africa’s tour of England. Although this clash was played at home Newlands it remains iconic. In the third ODI he unleashed a spectacular 121 off 85 balls—an innings of pure power beautifully timed. Opening with Amla Smith and Petersen he helped South Africa post a massive 354 for 6 and crushed England by 112 runs . That knock wasn’t just about winning it was an assertive statement of intent.

Mr 360 lives on in legends cricket watch England 

Even after his international retirement de Villiers continued to amaze. In the World Championship of Legends 2025 he took on the England Champions with the edge of his vintage skill. He smashed a sublime 41‑ball century reminding fans that the genius still flows even in legend fixtures .

And again in the same event he and Amla torched England with an opening stand of 125 in just 55 balls—de Villiers himself making 112 off 49 balls—highlighting why his nickname was so deserved .

The global cricket community remembers

Beyond individual matches AB de Villiers’s contributions transcend statistics. His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in October 2024 recognized a legacy of innovation and sheer joy at the crease . Commentators and fellow legends celebrate him not only for the records but for redefining what modern day batting looks like—improvisation control and stunning execution wrapped in one.

Internal Link Placeholders

• [Link to AB de Villiers career profile and records]
• [Link to South Africa versus England ODI series history]
• [Link to modern batting technique analysis and innovations]

External Link Placeholders

• http://For AB de Villiers full scorecards and match commentary see [external link to ESPNcricinfo match centres]
• For video highlights of AB de Villiers masterclass moments watch [external link to cricket highlights content provider]

In Summary

AB de Villiers crafted moments that become lifetime memories. From his captain’s knock chasing down a series in Cape Town to explosive innings that left records in shambles he balanced power grace and strategic genius like few ever have.

Whether in official internationals or legends exhibition matches his brand of brilliance continues to captivate. South Africa versus England matches are richer for his presence and cricket is endlessly grateful for the magic he brought.

Let me know if you’d like a focused deep dive on his Test duels against England or a statistical breakdown comparing his ODI impact across different venues—I’d be thrilled to explore those further.

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