5 times AB de Villiers the tormentor turned protector

#3 43 off 297 balls vs India, Delhi 2015

South Africa have always raised their levels whenever they have faced a subcontinent team in their own backyard. Before 2015, in their last two visits to India, in 2008 and 2010, they had drawn both the series 1-1. Coming to India in 2015, South Africa had a nine-year undefeated streak in overseas test series. They had their number one ranking and a proud overseas record to defend.

Three matches down, South Africa were trampled left, right and centre and baring AB de Villiers, none of the batsmen had stood up. It was turning out to be a disastrous tour. Heading into Delhi, South Africa were mentally fatigued. Could they salvage pride in the last match?

They were battered in the first innings, and India set them an imposing target of 480 runs. South Africa had crossed 200 only once in the whole series and thus it looked like a humbling defeat was in prospect once again.

Then began a stonewalling for the ages.The blockathon was started by Amla and then carried by Du Plessis but its greatest exponent that day was De Villiers. The usually belligerent batsman didn't even feel the urge to smash the ball even when nine fielders were inside the circle.

South Africa consistently scored at less than a run per over and at tea on Day 5, they were 136-6 after already having batted a staggering 139 overs. De Villiers was on 43 off 296 balls.

Could he help salvage a scarcely believable draw for South Africa?

Unfortunately, the first ball that De Villiers played after tea spun viciously at him and he was caught at short leg. The great South African resistance was over and soon the innings unravelled, handing India a series victory.