South Africa Champions continued their dominant run in the World Championship of Legends 2025 with a second consecutive victory, this time overpowering India Champions by a commanding 88 runs in a rain-affected match at Northampton on Tuesday. The Proteas, batting first, piled up an impressive 206/6 in their 20 overs.
Leading the charge was none other than AB de Villiers, who rolled back the years with a vintage knock. The legendary South African struck 61 off just 30 balls, peppering the boundary with four fours and three sixes. He was well supported by JJ Smuts, whose quickfire 30 off 17 balls gave the innings late momentum.
India Champions, chasing a tough target under looming rain clouds, faltered early and never really found their footing. They were struggling at 111/9 in 18.2 overs when the rain came down and stopped play for good.
According to the DLS method, India fell significantly short of the par score, which stood at 200 at that stage. Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 3/17. Imran Tahir and Wayne Parnell chipped in with two wickets apiece, sealing a comprehensive win for the Proteas.
While de Villiers’ batting masterclass grabbed headlines, it was an offbeat, heartwarming moment between two cricketing stalwarts that left fans smiling. During the Proteas’ innings, as AB de Villiers walked back to the non-striker’s end after talking to his partner, he was greeted by Yusuf Pathan in a unique and respectful way. The Indian all-rounder, moments away from bowling the next delivery, looked at de Villiers with a broad smile and gently placed his right hand on his chest.
The gesture was subtle but deeply genuine—Pathan’s way of expressing admiration for one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era. AB de Villiers, always humble and graceful, acknowledged the moment with a warm smile before getting back into position.
It was a rare on-field interaction that reflected mutual respect between former opponents and longtime warriors of the game, highlighting the camaraderie that often transcends competition in legends’ tournaments.
Fans on social media were quick to pick up on the exchange, flooding platforms with praise for Yusuf Pathan’s classy gesture. The clip went viral, with many calling it the “moment of the match,” even overshadowing the cricket itself for some viewers.
As South Africa Champions celebrated a big win, Pathan’s humble tribute to ABD served as a touching reminder of the legacy and emotional connections that cricket continues to foster, especially among legends who shaped the game over the years.