South Africa's AB de Villiers hits fastest ODI 150 in World Cup win
AB de Villiers hit the fastest 150 in one-day internationals history in South Africa's dominant World Cup win over West Indies on Friday.
De Villiers reached 150 on only 64 balls, beating the previous record by 19 deliveries. He finished the match 162 not out on 66 balls, and South Africa ended its innings 408-5.
West Indies could hardly mount a chase, making 151 all out in 33.1 overs to tie the record for the largest World Cup defeat by runs.
De Villiers came on in the 30th over and went to work, striking a 134-run partnership with Rilee Russouw. Of course, De Villiers' innings was aided by his 25 boundaries—17 fours and eight sixes. His 73 runs in the last five overs was another ODI record.
The batsman credited his performance to his teammates. From BBC Sport:
"The credit must go to the guys up front for setting a base. Rilee inspired me a bit with his effort and that affected how I played. After timing a few I got the momentum behind me," De Villiers said. "The main thing is to know your own game, know your strengths and weaknesses and when to home in on the former. I enjoyed myself out there. I earned the right to have a go at the bowlers in the latter stages of the innings."
South Africa needed the win after losing its last pool play match to India by 130 runs. The team will play next on March 3 against Ireland.
West Indies will hope to bounce back on March 6 against India.
