AB de Villiers, a former South African cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and explosive batsmen in cricket history. Throughout his international career, he set numerous records across all formats of the game.
One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- Fastest Fifty, Century, and 150: De Villiers holds the records for the fastest half-century (16 balls), century (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in ODIs. These feats were achieved during his innings of 149 runs off 44 balls against the West Indies in January 2015.
- Most Sixes in an Innings: In the same match against the West Indies, he hit 16 sixes, equaling the then-record for the most sixes in an ODI innings.
- ICC ODI Player of the Year: De Villiers was named ICC ODI Player of the Year three times—in 2010, 2014, and 2015—highlighting his dominance in the format.
Test Matches:
- Highest Individual Score: His top Test score of 278 not out against Pakistan is the second-highest individual score by a South African batsman.
- Most Consecutive Innings Without a Duck: De Villiers set a record by playing 78 Test innings without registering a duck, before being dismissed for nought against Bangladesh in November 2008.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
- Fastest Fifty by a South African: He holds the record for the fastest fifty by a South African in T20Is.
Indian Premier League (IPL):
- Consistent Performer: In 154 IPL matches, de Villiers scored 4,395 runs at an average of 39.95 and a strike rate of 151.23, including 33 half-centuries and three centuries. His highest score of 133 not out came against Mumbai Indians in 2015.De Villiers’ ability to innovate and adapt his batting to different formats and situations earned him the nickname “Mr. 360” and solidified his legacy as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
One Day Internationals (ODIs):
Here are AB de Villiers’ notable records and achievements in One Day Internationals (ODIs):
Fastest Batting Records
- Fastest Fifty:
- Scored 50 runs in just 16 balls, the fastest in ODI history.
- Achieved against the West Indies on January 18, 2015, in Johannesburg.
- Fastest Century:
- Scored a century in just 31 balls, the fastest ever in ODIs.
- Also achieved against the West Indies in the same match.
- Fastest 150:
- Scored 150 runs in just 64 balls, setting another world record.
- This feat was accomplished against the West Indies during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Highest Strike Rates in Innings
- Known for achieving extraordinary strike rates, often exceeding 300 during some explosive innings.
Most Sixes in an Innings
- Hit 16 sixes during his record-breaking knock of 149 runs off 44 balls against the West Indies.
Consistency and Awards
- ICC ODI Player of the Year:
- Awarded the title three times (2010, 2014, and 2015), underscoring his dominance in the format.
- Average and Strike Rate:
- Finished his ODI career with an impressive average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 101.09 over 228 matches.
Captaincy and Team Contributions
- Captained South Africa in ODIs from 2012 to 2017, showcasing his leadership alongside his batting prowess.
Other Records
- Scored 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries in ODIs.
- Holds the record for the second-highest individual score by a South African in ODIs (176 runs against Bangladesh in 2017).
AB de Villiers revolutionized ODI batting with his innovation, aggression, and ability to adapt to different situations, earning him the nickname “Mr. 360.”
Test Matches:
Here are AB de Villiers’ key records and achievements in Test cricket:
Batting Records
- Highest Individual Score:
- Scored 278 not out against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2010.
- This remains the second-highest individual score by a South African batsman in Test cricket.
- Consistency in Scoring:
- Maintained a remarkable career average of 50.66 in 114 Test matches.
- Scored 8,765 runs over 191 innings.
- Hit 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries in his Test career.
Record for Most Consecutive Innings Without a Duck
- Played 78 consecutive innings without being dismissed for zero, setting a world record.
- This streak ended in November 2008 against Bangladesh.
Adaptability
- Defensive Masterclass:
- In December 2015, played a marathon knock of 33 runs off 220 balls against India in Delhi.
- Showcased his ability to play an ultra-defensive role when required, earning praise for his adaptability.
- Aggressive Exploits:
- Known for switching gears, de Villiers was equally capable of playing counterattacking innings against top-quality bowling attacks.
Fielding Excellence
- Took 222 catches in his Test career, often fielding in crucial positions like slip or gully.
- Occasionally kept wickets, adding versatility to his contributions in the team.
Captaincy in Tests
- Took over as South African Test captain in 2015 and led the team in key matches during his tenure.
AB de Villiers’ Test career exemplified his all-round brilliance, combining technique, flair, and resilience, making him one of South Africa’s greatest Test players.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
Here are AB de Villiers’ notable records and achievements in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
Career Overview
- Matches Played: 78
- Runs Scored: 1,672
- Batting Average: 26.12
- Strike Rate: 135.17
- Half-Centuries: 10
- Highest Score: 79* against Scotland in 2009
Batting Records
- Fastest Fifty by a South African in T20Is:
- Scored a half-century off 23 balls, showcasing his explosive hitting ability.
- Explosive Strike Rate:
- Known for his aggressive batting, with a career strike rate of 135.17, often dismantling bowling attacks in the death overs.
- Versatile Batsman:
- Played various roles in the batting order, adapting to different team needs—from opening the innings to finishing games.
Memorable Performances
- *79 vs. Scotland (2009)**:
- Played a blistering knock, showcasing his ability to dominate any opposition.
- Strong ICC T20 World Cup Performances:
- Consistently contributed in ICC tournaments, often stepping up in high-pressure games.
Fielding and Wicketkeeping
- Exceptional fielder with 65 catches in his T20I career, often taking stunning catches in key moments.
- Occasionally kept wickets, adding further versatility to his game.
Impact on T20 Cricket
- AB de Villiers was a trendsetter in T20Is, with his innovative shots like the reverse sweep, ramp shots, and his trademark “360-degree” hitting.
- Though his T20I numbers might not be as staggering as his ODI or Test records, his influence on the format and ability to win games single-handedly solidified his legacy.
AB de Villiers’ contributions to T20 cricket extend beyond stats, as he inspired a generation of players to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the shortest format of the game.
Indian Premier League (IPL):
AB de Villiers is one of the most iconic players in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Here are his key records and achievements in the tournament:
Career Overview
- Matches Played: 184
- Runs Scored: 5,162
- Batting Average: 39.71
- Strike Rate: 151.68
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 40
- Highest Score: 133* (not out)
Batting Records and Achievements
- Explosive Batting:
- Consistently maintained a strike rate above 150, making him one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL history.
- Famous for hitting massive sixes and innovative 360-degree shots.
- Highest Partnership in IPL History:
- Partnered with Virat Kohli for a record-breaking 229-run stand against Gujarat Lions in 2016.
- Also shared a 215-run stand with Kohli against Mumbai Indians in 2015, the second-highest in IPL history.
- Centuries:
- Scored three IPL centuries, with his highest being 133 off 59 balls* against the Mumbai Indians in 2015.
- His centuries are known for their breathtaking aggression and dominance.
- Most Sixes:
- Among the top players in IPL history for hitting sixes, with 251 sixes in his IPL career.
Fielding Prowess
- Renowned for his athleticism and stunning catches.
- Took 90 catches in his IPL career, often pulling off game-changing moments in the field.
Teams Represented
- Delhi Daredevils (2008–2010):
- Made his IPL debut with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
- Scored his first IPL century (105* against CSK in 2009) during this stint.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (2011–2021):
- Joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2011 and became a fan favorite.
- Formed a legendary partnership with Virat Kohli, contributing to RCB’s success over the years.
Notable Awards and Recognition
- RCB Hall of Fame:
- Inducted into RCB’s Hall of Fame in 2022, honoring his contributions to the franchise.
- Unforgettable Innings:
- Many of his knocks are considered IPL classics, particularly his innings against Mumbai Indians (133*) and Gujarat Lions (129*).
Impact on IPL
- AB de Villiers’ ability to adapt, innovate, and perform under pressure made him one of the most revered players in the IPL.
- His influence on the tournament extends beyond his records, as he inspired countless fans and young players with his fearless and creative approach to the game.
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AB de Villiers’ Notable Records and Achievements in One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Fastest Batting Records
- Fastest Fifty:
- Scored 50 runs in just 16 balls, the fastest in ODI history.
- Achieved against the West Indies on January 18, 2015, in Johannesburg.
- Fastest Century:
- Scored a century in just 31 balls, the fastest ever in ODIs.
- Also achieved against the West Indies in the same match.
- Fastest 150:
- Scored 150 runs in just 64 balls, setting another world record.
- This feat was accomplished against the West Indies during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Highest Strike Rates in Innings
- Known for achieving extraordinary strike rates, often exceeding 300 in some of his most explosive innings.
Most Sixes in an Innings
- Hit 16 sixes during his record-breaking knock of 149 runs off 44 balls against the West Indies.
Consistency and Awards
- Consistency:
- Finished his ODI career with a remarkable batting average of 53.50.
- Scored 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries in 228 matches.
- Awards:
- Named ICC ODI Player of the Year three times: 2010, 2014, and 2015.
- Acknowledged as one of the most innovative and dominant players in ODI cricket history.
- Fastest Fifty:
Career Overview
AB de Villiers – Career Overview
Personal Information
- Full Name: Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
- Nickname: Mr. 360, ABD
- Born: February 17, 1984, in Pretoria, South Africa
- Role: Batsman, Wicketkeeper (occasionally)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium (occasionally)
- International Debut:
- ODI: February 2005 against the West Indies
- Test: November 2004 against England
- T20I: February 2006 against Australia
Career Summary
- ODI Matches: 228
- Runs: 9,577
- Average: 53.50
- Centuries: 25
- Half-Centuries: 53
- Strike Rate: 101.09
- Highest Score: 176
- Test Matches: 114
- Runs: 8,765
- Average: 50.66
- Centuries: 22
- Half-Centuries: 46
- Highest Score: 278*
- T20I Matches: 78
- Runs: 1,672
- Average: 26.12
- Strike Rate: 135.17
- Highest Score: 79*
- Indian Premier League (IPL):
- Matches: 184
- Runs: 5,162
- Average: 39.71
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 40
- Highest Score: 133*
Notable Achievements
- Fastest Fifty, Century, and 150 in ODIs:
- Set world records for the fastest fifty (16 balls), century (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in ODIs, all in one match against the West Indies in 2015.
- 360-Degree Hitting:
- Known for his innovative and unconventional batting techniques, he earned the nickname “Mr. 360” due to his ability to score runs all around the field.
- World Cup Heroics:
- A pivotal player in South Africa’s 2015 World Cup campaign, where he scored 162* against the West Indies in one of the most memorable innings in World Cup history.
- ICC Player of the Year Awards:
- Winner of the ICC ODI Player of the Year award three times (2010, 2014, 2015).
- Partnerships:
- Formed a legendary batting partnership with Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and for South Africa in ODIs.
- Multidimensional Player:
- Excelled not just with the bat but also as a keeper, a slip fielder, and an occasional bowler, contributing to his team’s success in various formats.
Leadership
- Captain of South Africa (2012-2017) in all formats, successfully leading the team to numerous series wins.
Retirement
- Announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018 but continued to play in T20 leagues, including the IPL.