Watch: AB de Villiers makes his T20 Blast debut with scintillating knock

Mumbai: AB de Villiers marked his T20 Blast debut with a scintillating knock of 88 runs off just 43 balls to help Middlesex cruise to an easy seven-wicket win.

The 35-year-old, who was not part of the South Africa squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 certainly turned back the clock for fans who wanted to cherish the veteran's batting.

While chasing a target 125 runs, De Villier's quick-fire knock propelled Middlesex to the victory with three overs to spare. The South African smashed five fours and six sixes in his innings. This was his first game since playing in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

De Villiers was in the news recently after reports surfaced that he tried to come back from retirement to take part in the World Cup for South Africa. He was later forced to release a statement where he denied demanding his return to the side.

"I made absolutely no demands at all. I certainly did not try to force my way into the World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament and did not expect to be included. There was no burning issue from my side and no sense of injustice," said De Villiers in his statement.

"I retired for honest reasons and, when asked if I could be available for the World Cup, agreed to keep the door open. In the event, understandably, the team moved on. No problem. I am not angry with anybody."

"Some have insisted I was motivated purely by money. They are wrong. In truth, I have turned down many lucrative offers to play around the world, and have cut the time spent away from home each year from eight months to just over three months," added De Villiers.