Cricket World Cup History: Ranking the five greatest innings in a losing cause

#4 AB de Villiers - 92 vs Australia, 2007 World Cup

AB de Villiers

In the 2007 World Cup, defending champions Australia put pressure on South Africa by setting a target of 378 for the Proteas in a group stage game. While the target was huge, South Africa started the chase with confidence as they had chased down 435 against Australia in 2006.

It seemed that history would repeat itself when the Proteas got off to a great start. Openers Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers launched a merciless attack on the Australian bowlers. AB de Villiers seemed to be a man on a mission as he treated the crowd with some incredible shots.

De Villiers scored 92 runs off 70 balls in innings which included 14 fours and two sixes. Yet, barring de Villiers' onslaught, none of the other batsmen, except Jacques Kallis could stay at the crease for a long time. Eventually, Australia won the match by 83 runs, and they also beat South Africa convincingly in the semifinal.