Timeless de Villiers: AB rewinds the clock with WCL Final heroics; Steyn says ‘still better than half of IPL’

AB de Villiers might have retired from international cricket, but his bat is still doing all the talking, loud and clear. After a jaw-dropping century in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final, the South African maestro drew massive praise from former teammate Dale Steyn. But what was meant as a bold statement quickly turned into a fan-fueled upgrade.

Steyn’s Claim Sparks Fan Frenzy

Following AB de Villiers’ unbeaten 120 off 60 balls that sealed the WCL title for South Africa Champions, Dale Steyn took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

"Unpopular/Popular opinion. AB is still better than half the internationals at IPL. Maybe even more."

The internet wasted no time in correcting the legend. “Half? Make it 90 per cent, Dale!” fans clapped back, echoing a sentiment that AB’s genius remains unmatched, even in 2025.

Vintage AB Powers WCL Final

Facing Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston, AB de Villiers put on a batting clinic. Chasing 196, he hammered 10 fours and 8 sixes in his unbeaten 120, forging crucial partnerships with Hashim Amla (72-run opening stand) and JP Duminy (125* run unbroken stand).

JP added a classy 51* as South Africa cruised to a nine-wicket win.

Pakistan’s Bright Start Fades

Pakistan Champions, batting first, rode on Sharjeel Khan’s explosive 76 and a solid start with Shoaib Malik. But their momentum dipped as Viljoen and Parnell grabbed two wickets apiece, restricting them to 195/5.

WCL 2025 Belongs to AB

AB de Villiers ended the tournament with 429 runs and three centuries in four innings. Steyn’s praise and the fans' unanimous love only confirm what cricket watchers already know: AB de Villiers is timeless.