AB de Villiers retires: Top 5 de Villiers knocks in Test cricket

#3 278* vs Pakistan, Abu Dhabi (2010)

it was de Villiers' second double ton in Tests

After the first Test ended in a tame draw, South Africa opted to bat first on a good pitch. However, they were rocked early as they were reduced to 33/3 inside the first hour.

Under pressure, de Villiers, who had a poor first game, strode out to bat even as Pakistani pacer Tanvir Ahmed had his tail up. Along with Jacques Kallis (105), he first resurrected the innings as they shared an excellent 179-run stand. But after the all-rounder’s departure, de Villiers took up the responsibility and took South Africa to a mammoth total of 584. He was unbeaten on 278 as he batted for more than 10 hours in the gruelling heat of Abu Dhabi.

He played the spinners exceptionally and was precise in his footwork. In his 418-ball vigil, he struck 23 fours and 6 sixes and was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.