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World Cup 2015 semi-final defeat my greatest disappointment: AB de Villiers

Johannesburg, Sept 1: South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who is hailed as the most prolific batsman of the present generation, rues loss in World Cup 2015 semi-final against New Zealand as greatest disappointment of his illustrious career.

Scorecard</a>; <a href=SA-born Grant Elliott does a Dhoni to knock South Africa out of WC" title="Scorecard; SA-born Grant Elliott does a Dhoni to knock South Africa out of WC" />Scorecard; SA-born Grant Elliott does a Dhoni to knock South Africa out of WC

AB de Villiers, one of the most celebrated batsman of the present generation, revealed the pain in his autobiography 'AB: The Autobiography', which was launched in Johannesburg on Thursday. (Know why AB de Villiers wants Indian citizenship)

World Cup 2015 semi-final defeat my greatest disappointment: AB de Villiers


The Proteas endured another heartbreak at World Cup as they were sent home by co-hosts New Zealand in a tense last-over semi-final clash at Auckland's Eden Park on March 24, 2015. South Africa have been termed as 'perinnial chokers' after they failed to win any major ICC tournament in limited overs.

As per an ESPNcricinfo report, 32-year-old's recollections of events were published in his book.

In the penultimate chapter, called "The Dream", the South Africa batsman went in-depth into the World Cup 2015 - revealing that South Africa kept a collective diary in which players made daily entries, and reiterating his conviction that South Africa could lift the trophy.

(Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are like 'Batman-Superman': Chris Gayle)(Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are like 'Batman-Superman': Chris Gayle)

Fortunes kept swinging on both sides before South Africa-born Grant Elliot sealed the game with a six on the penultimate ball of the match from Dale Steyn and New Zealand made their first ever appearance in the final of World Cup.

In his autobiography, de Villiers also talked about the selection procedure in the team. He highlighted how he dislikes idea of picking at least four 'players of colour' in the playing XI. De Villiers, reportedly, revealed that racial dynamics played a role in Vernon Philander being selected ahead of Kyle Abbott came in the aftermath of the tournament and was confirmed by CSA.

De Villiers, though, blamed his side's failure to take "five clear opportunities ... three possible run-outs and two catches", and not on the selection saga for the defeat in semi-final. "We didn't lose because of the decision to replace Kyle with Vernon," he writes.

Apart from this, the book covers key events and influences that have shaped Mr 360's life and career, from his childhood and schooling at Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool (Affies) through to his present successes, experiences and controversies as captain of the ODI team.

The autobiography will also explore de Villiers' interests in music and business and how he pursues these alongside his international cricket career.

The hardback edition of "AB: The Autobiography" will be released in English and Afrikaans locally on September 8, and simultaneously in English by Pan Macmillan in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and India.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:35 [IST]
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