IPL 2021: AB de Villiers reaches 5000 IPL runs after another sensational knock
AB de Villiers reinforced his domination and turned another cricket match for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2021 on Tuesday (April 27).
With RCB under trouble waters after the initial stage of their innings against Delhi Capitals (DC), De Villiers produced one more scintillating innings from his willow.
The sheer class and ability of AB de Villiers were on display as he went about resurrecting RCB from 60/3 almost single-handedly against an in-form DC bowling attack.
On a two-paced track in Ahmedabad, AB de Villiers stood out among RCB batters and showed great technique and temperament through his knock of 75 not out off 42 deliveries, including three fours and five sixes.
De Villiers, who has been a great inspiration for his teammates and opposition batters, once again never lost his balance and shape through the crease, even when he was attempting the big shots during the final phase of the innings.
AB de Villiers reaches 5,000 IPL runs via an unbeaten 75 off 42 for RCB
AB de Villiers added another great knock to his kitty in RCB colours and helped his team reach a fighting total of 171/5, which they would’ve taken with both hands once Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell departed without substantial scores.
While De Villiers would’ve felt great in playing a knock that came to his team’s rescue, he also had another reason to smile after taking DC bowlers to the cleaners. Through his unbeaten knock, AB de Villiers achieved another great landmark in his illustrious career as he joined the list of batsmen with 5,000 IPL runs to their name.
De Villiers had entered the DC encounter only 22 runs shy of the 5,000-mark. But he now boasts of 5,053 runs in his overall IPL career spanning 175 matches at an average of 41.08 and a strike-rate of 152.70. AB de Villiers’ career tally in the IPL history includes 3 centuries and 40 half-centuries.
When AB de Villiers shocked the world with his premature retirement from international cricket back in 2018, many felt that lack of proper game time will reflect in his performances in IPL cricket. But the 37-year-old is still going as strong as ever and has now made 204 runs from his 6 innings in IPL 2021 at a strike-rate of 174.35 while averaging 68.00.