AB de Villiers, one of the most destructive limited-overs batsmen of his generation, is the marquee player of the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 and he did not disappoint in front of a sell-out crowd at Lord’s on Thursday.
He produced a batting masterclass to guide Middlesex to a seven-wicket win over Essex on the opening night of this summer’s competition.
The South African, making his debut in English domestic cricket, scored 88 not out off 43 balls.
🔥🔥🔥 88* off 43 balls.
Welcome to the @VitalityBlast, @ABdeVilliers17!#LoveLords pic.twitter.com/pHhsGlPvJ1
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 18, 2019
The 35-year-old was also part of a moment of magic in the field, relaying a catch on the boundary to George Scott which removed Dan Lawrence.
After put in to bat, Essex posted 164/6 in their 20 overs, Ryan ten Doeschate top-scoring with 74 not out.
Middlesex slipped to 39/2 in reply and De Villiers started patiently alongside England’s Dawid Malan, but the pair soon picked up the pace and went on to add a 105-run partnership for the third wicket.
De Villiers, who smashed five fours and six sixes during his innings, is available for Middlesex’s first seven group fixtures and could return for the knockout stage if his side qualifies.
Here’s the video:
A debut to remember….
💥 @ABdeVilliers17 already feeling at home at Lord's.#LoveLords pic.twitter.com/WmuKuSvxON
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 18, 2019
