AB de Villiers smashes 93 on return to cricket after six months

The blistering innings from AB de Villiers also helped his side to post a massive 217 runs on board. Hours after the match, AB was also named captain of the Tshwane Spartans for the first season of MSL.

Six months away from professional cricket had no bearings on his performance as former South African captain AB de Villiers smashed a sparkling 93 off 31 balls on his return in a practice game ahead of the Mzansi Super League in South Africa.

De Villiers turned up for the Tshwane Spartans in a warm-up game against Jozi Stars before South Africa’s franchise-based T20 league (Mzansi Super League) begins on November 16. This was AB’s first appearance on the cricket field after he announced his international retirement in May this year.

The blistering innings from de Villiers also helped his side to post a massive 217 runs on board. In reply, the Stars too came out all guns blazing but a brilliant last over from Robbie Frylinck helped Spartans walk away as the winners by 5 runs.

Hours after the match, AB was also named captain of the Tshwane Spartans for the first season of MSL.

"I try to lead from the front and rely on the experience I've picked up over the years," De Villiers told ESPNcricnfo. "I believe I'm a decent man-manager when it comes to understanding players' strengths and weaknesses. I'm looking forward to it. It's an exciting challenge and I'm ready for it."

Spartans will play the tournament opener against Cape Town Blitz on Friday, which will mark the first official match of de Villiers since he announced his retirement.

Speaking about the tournament, de Villiers said he expects it to help in the growth of South African cricket. "The quality of cricket in the Mzansi Super League is going to be good. It's very exciting, I am very happy to finally be part of the tournament that I believe will help South African cricket development and give youngsters incredible exposure to play with some of the world superstars."

A host of T20 stars from across the globe have been divided into six teams, who will battle for the inaugural MSL title. The final will be played out on 16 December.