Captaincy has helped AB flourish

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 21: AB de Villiers of South Africa plays a shot during the One Day International match between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval on October 21, 2014 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. (Photo by Joel Ford/Getty Images)

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 21: AB de Villiers of South Africa plays a shot during the One Day International match between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval on October 21, 2014 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. (Photo by Joel Ford/Getty Images)

Published Oct 21, 2014

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Johannesburg – Proteas captain AB de Villiers says the satisfaction of leading from the front has been the driving force behind his match-winning performances for the Proteas this year.

De Villiers is currently ranked number one on the ICC One-Day International (ODI) batsman rankings, averaging 76.85 in 10 matches.

His contributions of 108 off 71 balls to win the series against Sri Lanka in Hambantota, 57 not-out against Australia in the final of the triangular series in Zimbabwe and 79 not-out on Tuesday against New Zealand, highlighted the skipper's desire to lead from the front when it counts.

"What gets me going is finishing games for the team," De Villiers said on Tuesday after South Africa won the first of three ODI's against the Black Caps by six wickets.

"Being there at the end, there is nothing more rewarding than that. When you talk about stats and milestones at the end of a career – that is something I will look back on."

Following a month-long break, the Proteas put in a clinical performance in their first match back and continued to tick the right boxes ahead of a crucial season.

"I'm very happy with this performance," De Villiers said.

"It's a great start to what is a tough tour with three ODI's here and five in Australia. To start off well always helps a little bit." – Sapa

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