AB de Villiers, the South African legend known as “Mr. 360,” set the World Cricket League (WCL) 2025 ablaze with a jaw-dropping 41-ball century, reaffirming his status as a T20 genius. Playing for the Pretoria Capitals in the inaugural WCL, a global T20 league held in Dubai in February 2025, de Villiers’ explosive performances captivated fans and trended globally on X with #ABD360. At 41, his return to competitive cricket after retiring from internationals in 2018 has sparked debates about his enduring brilliance. In this article, we dive into AB de Villiers’ WCL 2025 highlights, key stats, and his impact on global T20 cricket. Let’s celebrate the magic of ABD!

The World Cricket League 2025: A New Stage for ABD

The WCL 2025, a Dubai-based T20 league featuring six franchise teams, brought together global stars like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and de Villiers. Pretoria Capitals, led by de Villiers, reached the semi-finals, largely due to his 380 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 185. His 41-ball century against Dubai Royals, including 10 sixes, became the season’s defining moment, garnering 4 million views on a viral X clip. Fans hailed it as “vintage ABD,” with one post reading, “De Villiers is rewriting T20 history at 41!”

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Key Moments of AB de Villiers’ WCL 2025 Campaign

1. 41-Ball Century vs. Dubai Royals: De Villiers smashed 104 off 41 balls, including a 20-ball fifty, in Match 12 on February 15, 2025. His ramp shots off Rashid Khan and scoop sixes against Jofra Archer went viral, trending on X with #ABDTheGOAT. The knock powered Pretoria Capitals to a 45-run win, chasing 190.
2. Match-Winning 82 vs. Mumbai Knights*: In a tense chase of 175, de Villiers’ unbeaten 82 off 38 balls, with 6 fours and 4 sixes, sealed a 6-wicket victory. His 360-degree shots, including a reverse-sweep off Yuzvendra Chahal, hit 2 million YouTube views.
3. Semi-Final Heroics: Despite Pretoria’s loss to Joburg Superstars, de Villiers’ 65 off 29 balls, including a 98-meter six, kept fans buzzing. His diving catch to dismiss Jos Buttler earned Player of the Match honors.

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Breaking Down ABD’s WCL 2025 Stats

• Runs: 380 (8 matches, average 47.5, strike rate 185)
• Centuries: 1 (104 off 41 balls)
• Fifties: 2 (82*, 65)
• Sixes: 28 (led the tournament)
• Catches: 5, including 2 diving efforts
• Key Innings: 104 vs. Dubai Royals, 82* vs. Mumbai Knights

De Villiers’ strike rate outpaced younger stars like Suryakumar Yadav, while his 28 sixes set a WCL record. His Instagram post celebrating the century, captioned “Still got it!”, garnered 3 million likes, with 18 million followers amplifying his global reach.

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Why AB de Villiers’ Comeback Matters

De Villiers’ WCL performance isn’t just about numbers—it’s a statement. Retiring from internationals at 34, he returned to showcase his fitness and innovation, inspiring players and fans. His 360-degree batting, blending scoops, ramps, and lofted drives, redefined T20 possibilities. The WCL’s global audience, with 15 million streaming on Star Sports and FanCode, grew thanks to ABD’s star power. As he said in a post-match interview, “T20 lets me express myself, and I’m loving every minute.”

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Tactical Impact on Pretoria Capitals

De Villiers, batting at No. 3, was Pretoria’s linchpin, anchoring chases and accelerating in powerplays. His partnership with Faf du Plessis (150 runs in 3 games) stabilized the top order, while his mentorship of young batter Rassie van der Dussen (200 runs) boosted team morale. Coach AB Pothas credited de Villiers’ “game-reading genius” for tactical shifts, like targeting spinners early. His fielding, including a viral catch at slip, added dynamism, with X fans trending #ABDFielding.

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Challenges and Criticisms

At 41, de Villiers faced questions about his stamina, with critics noting a slower 30 off 25 in a low-scoring game against Abu Dhabi Warriors. His occasional vulnerability to pace, dismissed twice by Archer, sparked debate on X. However, fans countered with #ABDStillKing, pointing to his 185 strike rate. The WCL’s packed schedule (12 matches in 18 days) tested his recovery, but de Villiers’ fitness regime, shared on Instagram, silenced doubters.

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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

De Villiers’ WCL exploits dominated X, with #ABD360 trending after his century. A highlight reel of his scoop shots hit 5 million views, while a fan poll showed 80% believe he’s the greatest T20 batter ever. His Instagram live session post-century drew 1 million viewers, with comments like “ABD, don’t ever retire!” going viral. Comparisons to Virat Kohli (272 million followers) fueled debates, with one X post reading, “Kohli’s consistency vs. ABD’s flair—who’s the GOAT?”

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What’s Next for AB de Villiers?

While de Villiers hasn’t confirmed a WCL 2026 return, his form suggests more T20 stints, possibly in the IPL or SA20. Fans speculate about a coaching role, with Pretoria Capitals eyeing him as a mentor. His 2025 performances also boost his brand, with endorsements spiking after WCL. As de Villiers said, “As long as I’m enjoying cricket, I’ll keep playing.” The 2026 T20 World Cup looms, but a national comeback seems unlikely.