• AB de Villiers’ last-ball run-out sent South Africa Champions into the WCL 2025 final.

  • South Africa Champions edged out Australia by a single run in a thrilling semi final 2 finish.

WATCH: AB de Villiers’ sensational run-out seals South Africa Champions’ win over Australia Champions for WCL 2025 final spot
AB de Villiers' spectacular run-out propel South Africa Champions into the WCL 2025 final with win over Australia Champions (Image source: x)

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The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semi-final between South Africa Champions and Australia Champions turned into an unforgettable classic on Thursday night. Packed with high-octane batting and see-sawing fortunes, the match will be remembered for one extraordinary moment: AB de Villiers’ sensational run-out on the last ball—a play that propelled South Africa Champions into the tournament final, setting up a summit clash with Pakistan Champions on August 2.

AB de Villiers’ clutch throw run-out wins big for South Africa Champions

With three runs needed off the last ball and Australia Champions closing in, the atmosphere was electric. Wayne Parnell delivered a perfect yorker to Dan Christian, who could only manage a push down the ground. The batters rushed a quick single, desperate to force a tie with a second run. But patrolling long-off was De Villiers—the South African legend known for his craft and nerves under pressure.

Swiftly gathering the ball, De Villiers unleashed a bullet throw to the non-striker’s end, directly hitting the stumps to catch Nathan Coulter-Nile short of his ground. The South African players erupted in celebration as De Villiers’ brilliance sealed a thrilling one-run victory, and Australia’s hopes faded in a flash, confirming de Villiers’ status as a clutch performer even among the legends.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: AB de Villiers hits second century in WCL 2025 as South Africa Champions crush Australia Champions

South Africa Champions edge past Australia in a gladiatorial thriller

Batting first, South Africa Champions posted an impressive 186/8 after 20 overs, thanks largely to Morne van Wyk’s explosive 76 off 35 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes), ably supported by JJ Smuts’ elegant 57 off 41. Cameos from Jean-Paul Duminy (14) and Henry Davids (11) added depth. The Australian bowlers had to fight for every wicket—Peter Siddle was the pick of the bunch with 4/30, while Brett Lee, Christian, and D’Arcy Short chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

In response, Australia Champions mounted a spirited chase. Chris Lynn (35 off 20) and Shaun Marsh (25 off 17) set the tone, but it was Christian’s unbeaten 49 off 29 balls that nearly took them home. Short (33) and Ben Dunk (12) kept the scoreboard ticking, while Rob Quiney’s brief but bruising cameo ended with injury.

The equation came down to 3 runs needed from the final ball. Parnell held his nerve, and de Villiers provided the finishing touch with his fateful throw, running Coulter-Nile out on the very last delivery. Australia finished with 185/7, just one run short.

Also WATCH: AB de Villiers’ jaw-dropping relay effort steals the show as South Africa Champions outclass India Champions

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.