#2. AB de Villiers’s swashbuckling century, 2015
By the time Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore met for the second time in IPL 2015, both teams were in contention for a playoff berth. The match was held in Mumbai and MI were on a five-match winning streak.
RCB had won the toss and had decided to bat first. They were off to a shaky start as they lost Chris Gayle early. However, Gayle’s dismissal turned out to be a blessing in disguise as AB de Villiers came in to join Virat Kohli at the crease.
The duo began steadily but gradually elevated their aggression during the middle overs. De Villiers was the aggressor-in-chief and Kohli was happy playing the second fiddle.
The South African began to smash MI bowlers to all parts of the ground and completed his second IPL century through a sensational six over midwicket. Kohli joined the party during the death overs as RCB finished their innings on 235/1. De Villiers ended with 133 from 59 deliveries and Kohli scored 82 from 50 deliveries.
In reply, Mumbai Indians could only get to 196/7 from their 20 overs, thus falling 39 runs short. ABD was eventually adjudged Man of the Match for his monumental effort.
