Fanie de Villiers is a former South African international cricketer and celebrated sports personality whose legacy extends far beyond the cricket pitch. He etched his name into sporting history with a match-winning performance against Australia in Sydney during the 1993/94 series, an iconic victory still regarded as one of South Africa’s most emotional and significant wins.
Within just two years of his debut, Fanie ranked among the top three bowlers in the world, a position he held for five consecutive years. By 1995, he was widely regarded as the world’s best bowler. Known for his grit, talent, and ability to perform under pressure, he also made history as the only South African cricketer to both score a half-century and take 10 wickets in the same Test match.
Fanie’s influence has continued beyond his playing days. As a popular SuperSport commentator, he has presented over 680 cricket shows, becoming a trusted voice in the game. A successful businessman and motivational speaker, Fanie now shares his unique insights on leadership, resilience, and achieving excellence with audiences across corporate and sporting environments.
Fanie de Villiers is an international cricketer and well known sports personality, established himself as a South African sports hero with his match-winning performance against Australia (in Sydney) in 1993/4. A game – still regarded by the media – as the most historical and emotional win ever!
Within the first two years, Fanie became one of the top three bowlers in the world, a position that he held for five years. In 1995, he was dubbed ‘the best bowler in the world’.
Fanie had to give up his athletic career because of his successes on the cricket field. He won a silver medal at his last meeting with the SA National u/21 level.
Well entrenched and the owner of a few businesses, Fanie de Villiers has just finished his 680th cricket show with Super Sport.
His career highlights include:
⦁ Northern Transvaal Cricket – 13 years
⦁ National Team – 9 years
⦁ World Eleven Team – 1996
⦁ SA Cricket Player of the Year (three times)
⦁ SA Sportsman of the Year – 1995
⦁ Northern Transvaal Cricketer of the Year (three times)
⦁ Northern Transvaal Sportsman of the Year – 1995
Fanie is the only player in the history of South African cricket to have scored a half century and to have taken 10 wickets in the same Test Match.
Currently, (in one day cricket), Fanie is still regarded by World Cricket as ‘the most economical fast bowler to have played the game’.
His personal highlights include:
⦁ SA vs. Pakistan at the Wanderers in 1996 – 10 wickets plus 66 not out, including introducing the ‘reverse sweep’ against Salim Malik into International Cricket.
⦁ One of the five judges in the Miss World pageant in 1995.
⦁ Cycling from Cape Town to Pretoria for 2600 km to raise funds for his charity.
⦁ Fanie founded the charity, ‘Hear’, to raise funds for cochlear implants in South Africa.
Above all, Fanie de Villiers will always be remembered by the cricket fans as a player that enjoyed the game with a smile! His antics (on and off of the field) made him the news maker in South Africa in 1996.
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This classic cricket highlight revisits one of South Africa’s most dramatic Test victories, achieved at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1994. Central to the triumph was fast-medium bowler Fanie de Villiers, who produced a career-defining spell that secured his place in cricket folklore.
The footage begins with Australia chasing a modest 117 for victory after Shane Warne’s 12-wicket haul had dominated South Africa’s batting. With the odds stacked against them, de Villiers and Allan Donald tore into the Australian lineup. Early breakthroughs, including the prized wicket of Michael Slater and a sharp catch at short leg to dismiss David Boon, set the tone.
De Villiers then dismissed nightwatchman Tim May first ball, sparking hopes of a miracle. He continued with relentless accuracy and subtle movement, removing Mark Taylor and Ian Healy, before completing his maiden five-wicket haul. Donald provided crucial support, including the dismissal of captain Allan Border with a ball that nipped back to hit off stump.
As tension mounted, South Africa’s fielding brilliance came to the fore, with Hansie Cronjé’s direct hit run-out of Shane Warne adding to the drama. Finally, with just six runs needed, de Villiers sealed the win with a caught-and-bowled to dismiss Glenn McGrath.
Australia were bowled out for 111, handing South Africa victory by just five runs — the fourth closest result by runs in Test history. De Villiers finished with figures of 6 for 43, while Donald claimed 3 for 34. The performance remains one of the defining moments in South African cricket’s return to the international stage.
00:00 — South Africa dismissed for 239; Australia require 117 to win.
00:45 — Early breakthrough: de Villiers bowls Slater through the gate.
01:20 — Sharp catch by Kirsten at short leg removes Boon.
01:45 — Nightwatchman Tim May out first ball; de Villiers on a hat-trick.
02:20 — Mark Taylor edges behind; Australia reeling at 4 for 56.
03:15 — Allan Border leaves one and is bowled by Donald.
04:00 — De Villiers completes his five-wicket haul, dismissing Ian Healy.
04:45 — Hansie Cronjé runs out Shane Warne with a direct hit.
05:20 — Damien Martyn’s resistance ends, caught in the covers.
06:00 — Final wicket: de Villiers completes a caught-and-bowled off Glenn McGrath.
06:20 — South Africa celebrate a famous five-run victory at the SCG.
Resilience, performance under pressure, leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
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