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NORTHAMPTON: AB de Villiers’ classy knock and Aaron Phangiso’s spin magic powered South Africa Champions to a massive 88-run (DLS) win over India Champions in the sixth match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at the County Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Chasing a daunting 209-run target, the reigning champions crumbled under pressure and could manage to score 111-9 in 18.2 overs in a rain-hit game.
South Africa Champions struck early, leaving India Champions reeling with four wickets down inside powerplay.
Wayne Parnell started the proceedings for the Proteas, bowling an outstanding two-over spell in which he gave nothing and took two wickets.
Robin Uthappa (2), Shikhar Dhawan (1), Suresh Raina (1`6) and Ambati Rayadu went without scoring as they were reduced to 28-4 in 5.3 overs.
The wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals for the India Champions, with none of the middle order batters scoring significantly except Stuart Binny, who top-scored with his 37* off 30 balls.
For South Africa, Aaron Phangiso was the standout bowler, scalping three wickets in his quota of four overs, while Imran Tahir and Wayne Parnell each picked up two wickets.
Earlier, AB de Villiers’ powerful knock propelled South Africa Champions to an imposing total.
Put into bat first, South Africa Champions posted 208-6 in their allocated 20 overs.
The Proteas opener provided a solid start as they scored 35 runs in 4 overs. Hashim Amla looked as elegant as ever with his 22 off 19 balls, laced with crisp four boundaries.
Jack Rudolph (24 off 20 balls), who looked in delicate touch, forged a brief little stand with Sarel Erwee (15 off 12) to bring the total to 66. However, India Champions roared back with back-to-back wickets in the eighth over as both of the set batters went back to the pavilion.
Consequently, the arrival of AB de Villiers always instilled fear in the opposition as he set the tone for South Africa to post an imposing total.
Meanwhile, India Champions struck on regular intervals in the middle overs, but De Villiers’ 63* off 30 balls, peppered with four maximums and three fours, took the rainbow nation over the 200-run mark.
For India Champions, Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla took two wickets.
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