For the second time in just a little over a month, AB de Villiers blasted a quickfire century against West Indies and set the Sydney Cricket Ground alight on Friday (February 27) in South Africa’s Pool B match at the ICC Cricket World Cup.
De Villiers’s knock changed the course of the innings after South Africa had batted steadily for much of the first half, steering it to a mammoth 408 for 5. He now holds the record for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in One-Day Internationals.
408 for 5! Fastest ever 150 for AB 30 off the final over! #cwc15 everybody!! https://t.co/uqe2RtKCAx #SAvWI pic.twitter.com/VcTUax8fiW
— ICC (@ICC) February 27, 2015
South Africa captain AB de Villiers said he was “a bit surprised” at his big century against West Indies in the World Cup Group B encounter in Sydney, a month after he broke the record for the fastest ODI century in Johannesburg against the same opponents. His 162 not out off 66 deliveries – the fastest 150 in ODI cricket – led South Africa to a record total 408, of which 261 runs came in the last 20 overs, and the batsman credited the side’s top order for setting the base for his charge.
“I’m also a bit surprised,” de Villiers said at the change of innings. “It was a very enjoyable knock today. I thought the foundation the boys laid upfront once again allowed us to free up. It’s just one of those knocks when everything came my way and a little bit of luck here and there.”
“The only thing on my mind is to win this game”
De Villiers said that the pain of South Africa’s last game against India, which ended in a 130-run loss, was one of the factors behind his knock.
“A bit of everything, a bit of a pain in the previous game. This game is only halfway. The only thing on my mind is to win this game. A lot of things play a role but we are just ready to go and defend this total now.”
via espncricinfo and icc-cricket
