India Champions’ journey to defend their World Championship of Legends title began on a horrific note as they lost their opening clash against South Africa. After refusing to play against Pakistan Champions, due to the political tensions between the two nations, Yuvraj Singh and co began their campaign against the Proteas in Northampton and faced a big defeat by 88 runs. It was a captain’s knock from AB de Villiers, who scored 63* off 30 balls and propelled South Africa to 208/6 in 20 overs. Later, India were restricted to 111/9 as rain stopped the play.
De Villiers Shines on Field
Apart from his heroics with the bat, de Villiers also proved his worth on field. In the 8th over of India’s chase, Yusuf Pathan hammered a big shot towards the long-on on a full delivery from spinner Imran Tahir.
De Villiers, who was placed nearby, slid towards the boundary line and brilliantly grabbed the ball. However, he knew he could not complete the catch without falling outside the boundary, so, he threw the ball towards Sarel Erwee, who then made a brilliant dive and took an excellent catch.
Even after four years away from the game, he’s making the impossible look easy. #WCL2025 #ABD
โ FanCode (@FanCode) July 22, 2025
Controversial Defeat
This moment left all the fans and even the commentators stunned as de Villiers truly showed that despite his retirement, he is still fit to play.
Coming to the match, India Champions suffered a massive 88-run defeat (via DLS method) to South Africa Champions in their campaign opener of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 clash.
South Africa Champions captain de Villiers rolled back the years, smashing a 30-ball 63 with the bat and orchestrating a mind-boggling catch in the outfield to power his side to victory.
Put into bat by India Champions captain Yuvraj Singh, South Africa put up a daunting total of 208/6 in 20 overs. Yuvraj, however, would not bat, suffering a niggle while fielding. India’s batting order – headlined by star names like Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Yusuf Pathan – suffered a collapse, managing only 111/9 before rain halted play.
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watching AB de Villiers bat in 2025 pic.twitter.com/3649Wvnnrl
โ Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) July 22, 2025
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Even after four years away from the game, he’s making the impossible look easy#WCL2025 #ABD pic.twitter.com/ixmXJ6YBSK
โ FanCode (@FanCode) July 22, 2025
