AB de Villiers is a South African cricketer known for his incredible batting skills and match-winning performances. He played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and quickly became a fan favorite.
Making his IPL debut in 2008, de Villiers went on to play 184 matches in the tournament. His highest score in the IPL was 133* off 59 balls, which came in 2015.
Over the years, he scored 3 centuries and 40 half-centuries, highlighting his reputation as one of the most consistent and entertaining players in the league.
In this blog, we’ll explore AB de Villiers’ highest scores in the IPL, his overall stats, and more. Let’s get started.
Top 10 Highest Scores By Ab de Villiers in IPL
In the table below, I’ve shared the highest scores by Ab De Villiers, including how many balls, year, and opponent team as well.
| Highest Score | Balls | Year | Opponent team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 133 | 59 | 2015 | MI |
| 129 | 52 | 2016 | GT |
| 105 | 54 | 2009 | CSK |
| 90 | 39 | 2018 | DC |
| 89 | 41 | 2014 | Punjab Kings |
| 89 | 41 | 2017 | Punjab Kings |
| 82 | 44 | 2019 | Punjab Kings |
| 76 | 34 | 2021 | KKR |
| 73 | 33 | 2020 | KKR |
| 54 | 40 | 2011 | Kochi |
Now that you know all the top 10 highest scores by Ab De Villiers. Let’s see each match in detail:
1. 133 off 59 | IPL 2015
On May 10, 2015, during the 46th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), AB de Villiers delivered a performance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
He scored 133 runs off just 59 balls. He has reached his half-century in 29 balls, including seven fours and a six.
RCB captain Virat Kohli and de Villiers both added 100 runs for the second wicket in just 58 balls, with Kohli contributing 38 runs to the stand leading to a comprehensive victory for RCB.
2. 129 off 52 | IPL 2016
In the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL), AB de Villiers played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Gujarat Lions (GL). On May 14, 2016, at the At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, de Villiers scored an unbeaten 129 runs off just 52 balls.
His innings featured 12 sixes and 10 boundaries which led RCB to a total of 248 for 3 in their 20 overs. Captain Virat Kohli also contributed with a century, scoring 109 runs off 55 balls.
In response, the Gujarat Lions struggled against RCB’s bowling and were bowled out for 104 runs in 18.4 overs and which led RCB to a victory by 144 runs.
3. 105 off 54 | IPL 2009
In the 2009 Indian Premier League, AB de Villiers played for Delhi Daredevils against the Chennai Super Kings at Kingsmead, Durban. He scored 105 runs off 54 balls and made a total of 189/5 in their 20 overs.
The Chennai Super Kings managed 180/9, falling short by 9 runs. This victory was attributed to de Villiers’ innings, which earned him the Player of the Match award.
4. 90 off 39 | IPL 2018
In the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL), AB de scored 90 runs off just 39 balls for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This innings took place against the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Delhi Daredevils made a total of 174/5 in 20 overs, with contributions from Rishabh Pant, who scored 85 runs off 48 balls, and Shreyas Iyer, who added 52 runs off 31 balls.
De Villiers’ aggressive batting display, featuring 10 fours and 5 sixes and chasing down the target of 175 runs. They secured a six-wicket victory, reaching 176/4 in 18 overs.
5. 89 off 41 | IPL 2014
On May 4, 2014, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. At Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, AB de Villiers scored 89 runs off just 41 balls.
His innings included 8 sixes and 6 fours, contributing to RCB’s chase. SRH had set a target of 156 runs, and de Villiers’ batting ensured that RCB achieved this target, winning the match by four wickets with a ball to spare.
6. 89 off 46 | IPL 2017
In the 2017 Indian Premier League, AB de Villiers played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Coming in to bat early, de Villiers scored an unbeaten 89 runs off just 46 balls, which included nine sixes and three boundaries.
Despite his innings, RCB managed a total of 148 for 4 in their 20 overs. In response, KXIP’s highest scores in IPL history showcase their dominant chases, including this match where they reached 150 for 2 in just 14.3 overs, winning by eight wickets.
Notably, de Villiers’ 89* is his highest score in an IPL match that ended in a loss for his team.
7. 82 off 44 | IPL 2019
In the 2019 Indian Premier League, AB de Villiers played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Batting first, de Villiers scored 82 runs off 44 balls, featuring seven sixes and three fours, and made a total of 202/4 in their 20 overs.
KXIP, in response, managed 185/7, resulting in a 17-run victory for RCB.
8. 76 off 34 | IPL 2021
On April 18, 2021, during the Indian Premier League (IPL), AB de Villiers played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He scored 76 runs off just 34 balls which led RCB to a total of 204/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
His innings included nine boundaries and three sixes. In response, KKR managed to score 166/8, resulting in a 38-run victory for RCB.
9. 73 off 33 | IPL 2020
On October 12, 2020, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, AB de Villiers played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
De Villiers scored 73 runs off just 33 balls. His innings featured six sixes and five boundaries and he made a total of 194 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, KKR struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 112 for 9, handing RCB a comprehensive victory by 82-run victory.
De Villiers’ aggressive batting not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also underscored his reputation as one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket.
10. 54 off 40 | IPL 2011
In the 2011 Indian Premier League, AB de Villiers delivered a standout performance, scoring 54 runs off 40 balls against Kochi Tuskers Kerala. This match took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
Chasing a target of 162 runs, de Villiers’ composed innings, which included five sixes, was instrumental in guiding the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a six-wicket victory with six balls to spare.
His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed showcased his exceptional batting prowess, making this performance one of his memorable contributions in the 2011 IPL season.
AB de Villiers Overall IPL Stats
Here are the overall IPL stats of Ab De Villiers including batting, bowling, and fielding.
Batting Stats
| IPL Season | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15 | 313 | 76* | 31.3 | 148.34 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 16 |
| 2020 | 15 | 454 | 73* | 45.4 | 158.74 | 0 | 5 | 33 | 23 |
| 2019 | 13 | 442 | 82* | 44.2 | 154 | 0 | 5 | 31 | 26 |
| 2018 | 12 | 480 | 90* | 53.33 | 174.54 | 0 | 6 | 39 | 30 |
| 2017 | 9 | 216 | 89* | 27 | 132.51 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 16 |
| 2016 | 16 | 687 | 129* | 52.84 | 168.79 | 1 | 6 | 57 | 37 |
| 2015 | 16 | 513 | 133* | 46.63 | 175.08 | 1 | 2 | 60 | 22 |
| 2014 | 14 | 395 | 89* | 35.9 | 158.63 | 0 | 3 | 26 | 24 |
| 2013 | 14 | 360 | 64 | 36 | 164.38 | 0 | 2 | 34 | 15 |
| 2012 | 16 | 319 | 64* | 39.87 | 161.11 | 0 | 3 | 26 | 15 |
| 2011 | 16 | 312 | 65 | 34.66 | 128.39 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 14 |
| 2010 | 7 | 111 | 45 | 15.85 | 93.27 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| 2009 | 15 | 465 | 105* | 51.66 | 130.98 | 1 | 3 | 39 | 12 |
| 2008 | 6 | 95 | 26* | 19 | 96.93 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Overall | 184 | 5,162 | 133* | 39.7 | 151.68 | 3 | 40 | 413 | 251 |
Fielding Stats:
| IPL Season | Matches (MAT) | Catches Taken |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15 | 15 |
| 2020 | 15 | 10 |
| 2019 | 13 | 6 |
| 2018 | 12 | 6 |
| 2017 | 9 | 6 |
| 2016 | 16 | 19 |
| 2015 | 16 | 8 |
| 2014 | 14 | 7 |
| 2013 | 14 | 8 |
| 2012 | 16 | 4 |
| 2011 | 16 | 7 |
| 2010 | 7 | 6 |
| 2009 | 15 | 13 |
| 2008 | 6 | 3 |
| Overall | 184 | 118 |
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Conclusion: The Highest Score By Ab De Villiers Is 133
AB de Villiers’ highest IPL score of 133* came on May 10, 2015, while playing against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. His ability to dominate bowlers and play breathtaking shots has made him one of the most incredible IPL batters of all time.
As the 2025 IPL season is starting in just a few days, fans are eager to see if he can surpass his record and deliver yet another unforgettable performance. Will he break his existing records? Let’s wait and watch!
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