AB de Villiers and Gayle Turn Back the Clock in Legends Clash

AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle turned back the clock with a vintage batting show as South Africa Champions faced West Indies Champions in the World Championship of Legends 2026. The two T20 greats were on opposite sides this time, but their trademark shots brought back memories of the days when they used to entertain fans together at RCB.

South Africa Champions eventually won the match by 97 runs, but for many fans, the biggest attraction was watching de Villiers and Gayle produce some of their old magic again.

AB de Villiers Brings Back His 360-Degree Batting

South Africa Champions posted a massive 242 runs, with Richard Levi providing the most explosive innings of the day. Levi smashed 87 from only 39 balls, hitting five fours and eight sixes.

But when AB de Villiers walked out to bat, the innings quickly became a trip down memory lane for cricket fans.

De Villiers scored 70 from 39 balls with four fours and five sixes. More importantly, several of his trademark shots were back on display. He went over extra cover with the lofted shots that became one of his signatures during his playing days. He brought out the slog-sweep for six and even attempted the scoop, once again showing the range that earned him the famous “Mr. 360” tag.

It was not simply about the 70 runs. It was the way de Villiers scored them that created the nostalgia. The same unusual angles, clean striking and ability to find boundaries around the ground were there.

De Villiers had also enjoyed an outstanding WCL campaign last season, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 431 runs.

Chris Gayle Answers With Vintage Power Hitting

West Indies Champions needed 243 to win, and there was always a feeling that if Chris Gayle stayed at the crease for long enough, the chase could become interesting.

The Universe Boss did not disappoint.

Gayle hammered 60 from just 31 balls, including four fours and five sixes. While de Villiers showed his 360-degree range, Gayle went back to the style that made him one of the most destructive T20 batters of all time — standing tall and sending the ball into the stands with raw power.

His powerful straight hitting and trademark leg-side sixes made it look, for a short period, as though West Indies could make a serious attempt at the huge target.

However, Gayle did not receive enough support from the other end. Wickets continued to fall around him, and once his resistance ended, West Indies Champions were unable to stay in the contest.

Imran Tahir Shines With the Ball

After de Villiers and Levi had done the damage with the bat, Imran Tahir played a major role with the ball. The veteran leg-spinner picked up three wickets and helped ensure there was no West Indies comeback.

Aaron Phangiso also chipped in with wickets as South Africa Champions completed a comfortable 97-run victory.

Tahir’s performance was another reminder of the quality still present among these former international stars. Even at this stage of his career, his wicket-taking ability continues to make an impact in T20 cricket.

But the lasting image from the match will be Gayle and de Villiers producing their trademark shots once again. Fans once watched them hit sixes together for RCB; this time they were opponents, wearing different colours and trying to beat each other.

The teams may have changed, but for a few overs, the shots looked just like the old days.