Cricket fraternity lauds 'superhuman' De Villiers' fastest ODI ton against Windies

AB de VilliersJohannesburg, Jan 19 : South Africa ODI captain AB de Villiers' swashbuckling fastest every one-day ton in 31 balls against the West Indies at The Wanderers on Sunday has been on the receiving end of an overwhelming response from the cricketing fraternity.

De Villiers' batting partner Hashim Amla, who hit 153 not out, said that the skipper said he was going to have a look for one over but hit his first six balls for 24, adding that he is an amazing player.

Former England captain Bob Willis said that De Villiers' record ODI hundred off 31 balls could make him the best batsman of all time, adding that he has been saying for the last 30 years that Sir Vivian Richards has to be the best batsman of all time, even better than Sir Don Bradman in his book, but claimed that he is going to have to reassess because the South African skipper is something extraordinary, Sport24 reported.

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is third in the list of fastest ODI centuries with his 100 off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996, wished a happy new year to De Villiers, claiming that it was well played.

Former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs said that De Villiers showed why he's simply the best, while ex-India batsman Aakash Chopra said that he demands a DNA test of De Villiers, adding that this game is only for humans.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that De Villiers is the definition of a cricketing genius, adding that it was absolutely incredible. He added that when he watches the South African bat it reminds him that he really wasn't that good in comparison.

Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor said that it was not the worst entertainment from De Villiers, adding that it was best in the world without a doubt.

Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock also congratulated De Villiers for his world record fastest ODI century.

De Villiers' knock helped South Africa post their highest ever ODI score by notching 439/2 off 50 overs against the West Indies and the hosts went on to win the match by 148 runs. (ANI)