AB credits his wife’s presence for his ton

India

Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman AB de Villiers scored a blistering unbeaten century on Saturday, putting on a double century stand with Virat Kohli, and said he was motivated by showing off for his wife.

De Villiers scored his 129 not out off just 52 balls, while Kohli made 109 off 55. They ended up winning by 144 runs, and De Villiers credited his muse, Danielle, for his efforts.

De Villiers said when asked why he'd batted so well: "My secret's very, very simple – my wife came to watch me today."

The South Africa stalwart went on to say that he was motivated by batting alongside Kohli, and that he took a while to get going and just had to keep the runs ticking over initially.

AB added: "It's always a pleasure batting with (Kohli). At my age of 32 I'm carrying it a bit heavier than him. He's looking much fitter than me.

"I actually didn't feel too good in the beginning (of my innings). It was slow and difficult to time it.

"But like some of my previous knocks, one or two in the middle and you grow confidence from that."

For his part, Kohli was quick to praise the Proteas star, saying: "(My century) is irrelevant in terms of what we want to achieve as a team.

"When you get 250-odd, have a partnership of 200 with AB, get a hundred yourself and watch his hundred, I can't ask for more as a batsman.

"It's always a pleasure batting with AB. It was a wonderful partnership again. He's just an absolute legend. He gave me so much confidence.

"I started off slowly but he just took over and you saw what he can do when he gets set."

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