One of the greatest cricketers in the World, AB de Villiers showed his array of strokes during his debut match in the Natwest T20 Blast tournament played in England.
De Villiers made his debut for Middlesex against Essex at Lords, London on Thursday in a South Group match. It was an exceptional performance by the retired South African player. Middlesex captain Dawid Malan won the toss and decided to bowl first.
It was a brilliant bowling effort by Middlesex bowlers to restrict Essex for a modest total of 164 for 6 in 20 overs. Tom Helm was the pick of bowlers for Middlesex with 3 for 27. Ryan Ten Doeschate was the top scorer for Essex with unbeaten 74*.
Chasing down the target of 165 runs to win, Middlesex lost 2 early wickets at the score of 39. AB de Villiers came to the crease and played with positive intent putting pressure on Essex bowlers. He was simply sensational with some amazing hits. The South African great reached his fifty off 29 balls and continued to smash Essex bowlers with ease.
Middlesex captain Dawid Malan scored 43 runs and added 105 runs for the 3rd wicket. AB de Villiers continued his merry way to remain not out on 88 off 43 balls to help the hosts register a comfortable 7 wicket win.
AB de Villiers was playing his first T20 match after featuring for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 12. International stars Adam Zampa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman were participating.
In the knock of 88 off 43 balls, AB de Villiers hit 5 fours and 6 sixes with a strike rate of 204.65. Middlesex defeated Essex by 7 wickets with 18 balls. The South African great was named as the man of the match for his brilliant knock.
Watch Here:-
🔥 A debut to remember for @ABdeVilliers17 🔥
A breathtaking 8️⃣8️⃣ from 4️⃣3️⃣ balls last night 💥🙌
Here are the highlights… pic.twitter.com/hh9cRCzuvy
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) July 19, 2019