SA v WI ICC World Cup 2011: AB de Villiers' Magnificent Century, Smith's Knock Seal Win

South Africa showed early wobbles mean nothing. In a stylish chase, AB de Villiers carved a niche for himself in South Africa's cause even as the captain led the way with stoic purpose to knock West Indies off their game at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at the Ferozeshah Kotla, Delhi.

ab de villiers v wi

After the South Africa bowlers pull back the West Indies, it was the time for the batsmen for turning it on. While Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis could not stick around, AB managed to steal the show from the South African captain as South Africa sealed the match with a great deal of panache.

Graeme Smith took on the onus on making sure South Africa's mini slip at the top would not be fatal. In that, Smith was not at his bombastic best, but he got the job in that he hung around strongly while providing support to AB de Villiers who was magnificent even as he was rampant in his pursuit.

Together their 119 run partnership for the third wicket was not only match winning but also, emphatic in that it showed South Africa had the wherewithal to survive when they have lost their most prolific batsman and their powerhouse with only twenty runs on board chasing 223.

While Smith stuck to his task of keeping South Africa calm, AB was all about stroke making and fluency, both of which he achieved with some authority even as West Indies struggled to sustain the initial hold. From a precarious situation, South Africa swung back on the heroism of their captain and the majesty of AB's innings.

When Smith was eventually dismissed for forty-five, AB continued in the same vein, this time with JP Duminy doing Smith's job. Even a brief rain interruption could not stop from AB getting the three runs for a fine World Cup century that will be remembered for helping South Africa show a dominant side.

West Indies would have rued their own debacle towards the end of their batting, not only because they could not make South Africa's challenge any stiffer but also, because their bowling is looking short, and with Dwayne Bravo injuring his knee, West Indies are going to struggle.