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South African batting legend AB de Villiers has revealed the fascinating story behind his iconic unbeaten knock of 162 off 66 balls against the West Indies in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In a recent interview, de Villiers shared that he was actually half asleep on the field during that match.
The match took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and de Villiers admitted that he wasn’t feeling well that morning. He had fallen sick and had to take a few injections to manage his condition. Despite his illness, he decided to play in the crucial game, but he skipped the warm-up session and opted to take a nap in the dressing room instead.
When it was his turn to bat, de Villiers revealed that he was literally sleeping before walking out to the middle. He explained that he found something more important than stressing about a cricket game. Although he felt like he couldn’t play due to his illness, he was grateful for the opportunity to be out on the field. This perspective allowed him to relax and enjoy the game.
De Villiers described the experience as being in a zone where everything happened in slow motion. He felt as if he was half asleep and enjoyed the leisurely pace of the match. This state of mind enabled him to see the ball clearly and make confident shots. Despite his initial nervousness, de Villiers played an extraordinary innings that featured 17 fours and eight sixes, leading his team to a remarkable victory.
In addition to his famous knock against the West Indies, de Villiers also highlighted another significant moment in his career. During South Africa’s 2008 tour of India, he scored a double-hundred (217) in Ahmedabad. This innings marked a turning point in his career as he realized he could excel beyond being labeled solely as a white-ball cricketer.
De Villiers acknowledged that he had initially struggled with his defensive technique and lacked the ability to play a front foot defensive shot. However, under the guidance of Jacques Kallis, he worked on improving his technique and gained confidence in his defensive skills. This allowed him to expand his game and become a more versatile player, combining defensive solidity with aggressive stroke play.
The South African star’s career spanned over a decade, during which he amassed impressive records in both Test and limited-overs cricket. De Villiers made over a hundred appearances in Test matches and more than 300 appearances in limited-overs formats. He retired from international cricket in 2018, just a year before the ODI World Cup in England.
De Villiers’ revelations about his famous innings against the West Indies and his career-defining knock in India provide a unique insight into the mindset and approach of one of cricket’s greatest players. Despite arising from challenging circumstances, both moments showcased de Villiers’ exceptional talent, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure.
AB de Villiers’ story serves as a reminder that success in cricket and life often requires embracing challenges and finding a way to perform at one’s best, even in the face of adversity. His extraordinary innings and career will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers around the world.
