Proteas shock Australia in World Championship of Legends semi-final
FILE. AB de Villiers led South Africa to a thrilling one-run victory over Australia in the World Championship of Legends semi-final, setting up a final against Pakistan. Picture: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Image: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Led by none other than AB de Villiers, South Africa Champions stunned Australia Champions by one run in their semi-final of the World Championship of Legends, in Birmingham, on Thursday.
With Australia chasing 187 for victory for a place in the final of the T20 tournament for retired cricketing legends, skipper De Villiers helped affect a run out off the final ball of their innings as they needed two to tie and three for the win.
De Villiers ran out Nathan Coulter-Nile for a duck without facing a delivery after a pin-point throw from the long-on boundary.
It was not all De Villiers though, as Wayne Parnell (2/33) stepped up to bowl the final over of the innings with Australia needing 14 to win.
Parnell’s Nerve and De Villiers’ Fielding Secure South Africa’s Victory Over Australia
After being smashed for six off the first ball by Rob Quiney, Parnell conceded just five runs off the next four deliveries. In fact, on that fourth delivery Quiney was forced to retire hurt, which brought Coulter-Nile to the middle.
With top scorer Dan Christian on 49 on strike for the final ball, however, it still looked like Australia would be able to pull off the win.
That at least was until Parnell held his nerve and De Villiers showed at 41 why he was one of the best fielders in his time.
Earlier, De Villiers actually failed with the bat as he was out for six as South Africa won the toss and chose to bat.
Instead, opener Jon-Jon Smuts (57) and Morne van Wyk (76) combined for a second wicket stand of 111, which provided the backbone for South Africa’s imposing total of 186.
The final will take place on Saturday, with South Africa facing Pakistan in the trophy match. First ball will be 5.30pm SA time.