South Africa Champions pulled off a thrilling win against Australia Champions in the second semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, held at Edgbaston, Birmingham. In a heart-stopping finish, it all came down to the final delivery, with Australia needing three runs to win. That’s when 41-year-old AB de Villiers turned back the clock with a moment of brilliance in the field, running out Nathan Coulter-Nile to secure a dramatic victory for his side.
Chasing a competitive target of 187, Australia Champions needed 14 runs from the final over. Rob Quiney and Nathan Coulter-Nile kept the chase alive, collecting 11 runs from the first five balls. However, just after taking a single off the fifth delivery, Quiney retired hurt, adding unexpected drama to the final moments of the match.
Dan Christian walked in to face the last ball with three runs still needed. He drove the ball powerfully down the ground and immediately set off for a quick double. But AB de Villiers, positioned at long-on, charged in, collected the ball cleanly, and with remarkable precision, coordinated with Wayne Parnell to dismiss Coulter-Nile, sealing a narrow and memorable win for South Africa.
Earlier in the match, South Africa Champions had posted a total of 186/8. Morne van Wyk was the star with the bat, scoring a crucial 76, while JJ Smuts added a handy 57. AB de Villiers, who had scored heavily in the earlier games with knocks of 61*, 116*, and 123, managed just 6 runs this time. Peter Siddle was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 4 wickets for just 30 runs.
41 yo AB De Villiers winning games with his fielding alone.🥵
— 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐚𝟏𝟕 (@Agastya_Cult) July 31, 2025
Tinpot trophy loading… 🎯 pic.twitter.com/zGtT8sJqlo
Australia started their chase strongly, putting up 58 runs in the powerplay while losing only one wicket. However, the South African bowlers struck regularly after that, preventing the Aussie batters from building partnerships. Despite solid contributions from Shaun Marsh (25), Chris Lynn (35), D’Arcy Short (33), and Dan Christian (49*), Australia fell just short.
Wayne Parnell held his nerve in the tense final over, and AB de Villiers proved once again that he’s a game-changer—not with the bat this time, but through his brilliance in the field. South Africa Champions will now face Pakistan Champions in the final on August 2, 2025.