149 off 44 balls! AB de Villiers unleashes ruthless destruction in an all-time great knock

On this day in 2015 AB de Villiers scored 149 off 44 balls. [Source - AFP]

On this day in 2015, AB de Villiers produced one of the most unbelievable innings the cricket world has ever seen, smashing a record-breaking 149 off just 44 balls. In the second ODI of the five-match series against West Indies at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, AB de Villiers delivered a performance that completely redefined power-hitting in modern-day cricket.

After being asked to bat first, South Africa had already taken firm control through a massive 247-run opening partnership between Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw, with both batters scoring centuries. Their dominance set the perfect platform before AB de Villiers arrived at the crease with less than 12 overs remaining and total freedom to attack.

The AB de Villiers innings that shattered the fastest fifty and hundred records

AB de Villiers reverse lap during 149 off 44 vs WI. [Source - AFP]

The fastest fifty

After Rilee Rossouw’s dismissal, AB de Villiers walked in and wasted no time unleashing pure madness. He raced to his half-century in just 16 balls, breaking the fastest ODI fifty record that still stands, stunning the Wanderers crowd and making life miserable for the likes of Andre Russell and Jason Holder with relentless, fearless attacking intent.

The fastest hundred

Eyeing maximum impact, the right-hander didn’t stop there and continued the onslaught with even greater fury. De Villiers converted his fifty into a hundred in just 15 balls, racing to the fastest ODI century off 31 balls, a record that still stands untouched, sending the cricketing world into disbelief as an all-time great spectacle unfolded.

Sixteen sixes of destruction

AB de Villiers went on to smash a few more breathtaking hits before eventually falling for 149 off 44 balls. He hammered 16 sixes, striking the ball cleanly and fearlessly all around the park with pulls, slog sweeps, and trademark 360-degree reverse laps. Every big hit looked effortless, powering South Africa to a mammoth 439-run total.

An innings that elevated AB de Villiers to the all-time stage

This AB de Villiers' innings against the West Indies firmly placed him among cricket’s all-time greats. He did not just score rapidly, but redefined ODI batting, showcasing fearless, innovative, and attacking strokes that set new standards and left fans and opponents in awe.

The knock also marked a dream start to one of his finest years. With the 2015 ODI World Cup approaching, de Villiers entered in supreme form, confidence soaring, and opposition under pressure, laying the foundation for a season where he dominated and led South Africa with brilliance.

A knock that still feels unreal

Even years later, 149 off 44 balls remains almost impossible to fathom. AB de Villiers’ innings set a new benchmark for explosive ODI batting, blending impeccable timing, raw power, and innovative shot-making. It is still celebrated as one of the greatest performances in cricket history.

What made it truly extraordinary was its sheer destruction. Records tumbled, bowlers lost all belief, and the limits of ODI batting were pushed further than ever before. This timeless innings showcased AB de Villiers at his most fearless and unforgettable best.