AB de Villiers delivered unforgettable Test cricket moments, including a record 278*, heroic match-saving knocks, and explosive centuries. His 196 against Australia and 126* versus a strong Aussie attack showcased his brilliance, while his wicketkeeping feats added to his legacy.
1. Victorious 217 not out vs India in Ahmedabad
AB de Villiers’ highest Test score was an unbeaten 278* against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2010. Though the match ended in a draw, his monumental innings stood out. His only other double century came in a winning cause against India in 2008 at Motera. On a tricky pitch, India collapsed for 76 on the opening day, and South Africa also struggled at 117/4 when de Villiers arrived at the crease. He counterattacked with a brilliant double century, leading his team to an innings victory within three days.
2. Calm 106 not out vs Australia in Perth
In 2008, South Africa faced a daunting target of 414 against a strong Australian side. After skipper Graeme Smith fell early, AB de Villiers walked in at 179/3 with the match hanging in the balance. Showing remarkable composure, he built crucial partnerships—first with Jacques Kallis and later with JP Duminy—to guide South Africa toward victory. He brought up his century with calm precision, sealing one of the greatest run chases in Test history.
3. Furious 129 vs India in Centurion
AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest Test century by a South African. Against India in 2010, he reached his hundred in just 75 balls. In the first innings, India was bundled out for 136, courtesy of Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn. South Africa then dominated with the bat, as Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis laid the foundation. AB provided the finishing touch, scoring a blistering 129 off 112 balls before being dismissed by Ishant Sharma. South Africa declared at 620/4 and went on to win by an innings.
4. Crucial 33 vs Australia in Adelaide
In the second Test of the series against Australia, South Africa found themselves under immense pressure to save the game on the final day. AB de Villiers played an extraordinary defensive knock, scoring just 33 runs off 220 balls. Chasing a daunting 430, South Africa was struggling at 45/4 when AB joined his childhood friend Faf du Plessis. Rather than attempting an unlikely chase, the duo focused on survival. AB’s dogged resistance, with a strike rate of just 15, allowed Du Plessis to anchor the innings with an unbeaten century, ultimately securing a crucial draw and keeping the series alive.
5. Blistering 103 vs Pakistan in Johannesburg
AB de Villiers delivered a historic all-round performance at the Wanderers in 2013, scoring an unbeaten 103 as South Africa crushed Pakistan by 211 runs. Not only did he notch up a century, but he also excelled behind the stumps, claiming 11 dismissals—equalling the world record held by Jack Russell. This remarkable feat remains unmatched in Test history, as no other wicketkeeper has ever combined a century with 10 or more dismissals in a single match.
6. Fastest Test Century vs Aussies (Centurion, 2018)
In the second Test against Australia in 2018, AB de Villiers played a masterful knock, scoring an unbeaten 126 off 146 balls. Blending aggression with control, he anchored South Africa to a strong first-innings total of 382 in 118.4 overs. His century showcased his dominance against a formidable Australian bowling attack and proved vital in setting up a commanding position for his team.
7. Massive 174 vs England, Headingley, 2008
AB de Villiers’ brilliant 174 was instrumental in shutting England out of the match. His marathon innings, lasting over seven hours, featured a crucial partnership with Ashwell Prince, frustrating the English bowlers. His match-winning century played a key role in South Africa’s dominant total of 522, ultimately sealing victory in a crucial Test series.
8. Majestic 163 vs Australia, Cape Town, 2009
Australia faced a massive setback as South Africa piled up 651 in the first innings. AB de Villiers played a breathtaking knock of 196 off just 163 balls, smashing 12 fours and seven sixes. Walking in at 322/3, he capitalized on the strong platform, showcasing his aggressive stroke play and dismantling the Aussie attack. His dominant innings was the highlight of a match where every South African player contributed to a commanding performance.