AB De Villiers Hits Second-Fastest Cricket World Cup Century

AB De Villiers announced himself on the 2015 Cricket World Cup with a blistering century against West Indies.

"

AB de Villiers hits his 20th ODI century & 2nd fastest World Cup hundred ever off 52 balls #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/ZoDGX0TjOe

— Clyde Tlou (@clydegoal) February 27, 2015"

The South African’s captaincy had come in for criticism after a couple of low scores in their first two games placed him in the spotlight.

But De Villiers is one of the finest talents in world cricket and West Indies felt the full force of his ability.

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WATCH: De Villiers races to his 150. See the action on Sky Sports World Cup #cwc15 http://t.co/vgj34UeSFl

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 27, 2015"

De Villiers came to the crease with South Africa on 146 for 3, and he and Rilee Rossouw launched a savage assault on the bowling.

While Rossouw was no shrinking violet with 61 off 39 balls, he was put in the shade by his captain.

De Villiers had the watching public on the edge of their seats, and it was easy to see why.

"

So hungry. No food in the fridge. I needs to get to the market, but I'm not missing @ABdeVilliers17 getting a hundred. No, ma'am. #SAvWI

— A N D I L E (@Vida15) February 27, 2015"

"

It's said that there is simply no individual better than the sport but time and again, AB de Villiers makes you have second thoughts. #GOAT

— Tarun Raman (@raman_tarun) February 27, 2015"

He sent the ball flying to all parts and it was appropriate that he brought up his century, off 52 balls, with a six.

Only Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien is ahead of De Villiers in the list of fastest centuries at World Cups, with his blistering knock against England in 2011 coming off 50 balls.

"

Did you see that? Our captain @ABdeVilliers17 just scored a century! @SuperSportTV #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/x80mQR7o14

— Western Cape Gov (@WesternCapeGov) February 27, 2015"

De Villiers powered on after bringing up three figures, and in taking 30 off the final over from Jason Holder, he finished up 162 not out as South Africa posted 408 for 5.

"

There's people out there who think there's players on the same level as @ABdeVilliers17 in this era. Give ye heads a wobble please!! #CWC15

— #ZidaneTurn (@solly_feni1) February 27, 2015"

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#ABDeVilliers now has the fastest 50, fastest 100 & fastest 150 in Odi's. Best in the world. Amazing thing to witness pic.twitter.com/LR5HBbKuID

— ناعمه خان (@iGuriya) February 27, 2015"

Speaking immediately after his knock to the host broadcaster, De Villiers said: "It was a very enjoyable knock today.

"It was one of those knocks today where things went my way. I had a bit of luck and I made it count.”