Ryan Rickelton creates history, achieves massive feat after smashing century in Champions Trophy clash against Afghanistan

Afghanistan and South Africa faced off in the third match of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 encounter on Friday. South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first when the two teams faced off at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. After losing an early wicket to Tony de Zorzi, the Proteas, who were batting first, capitalized on a knock from Ryan Rickelton to help the southpaw smash his first ODI century in an ICC tournament. Rickelton reached his century in 101 balls and appeared to be in excellent form from the first ball. He has hit seven fours and one six throughout his knock. 

Ryan Rickelton's historic century

Before this match against Afghanistan, Rickelton's highest ODI total was 91 runs against Ireland in 2024, demonstrating his current form. Additionally, Ryan became the first South African to score a century in his Champions Trophy debut with the hit. First, he methodically planned the innings and reached his fifty in forty-eight deliveries. He is also the first-ever wicketkeeper-batter from SA to score a century in the tournament.

The 28-year-old left-hander, who has been playing brilliantly in 2025, and captain Temba Bavuma (58 off 76 balls) formed an important 129-run partnership for the second wicket. In October 2024, he scored 91 against Ireland, which was his previous highest ODI score.

In his ICC Champions Trophy debut, Rickelton, who recently hammered 259 runs in a Test match against Pakistan, made an instant impression by starting the innings and leading South Africa to a commanding lead in their opening encounter.

Rickelton's century followed by fifties from Temba Bavuma (58 off 76), Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46), and Aiden Markram (52 off 36) powered the SA side to 315/6 in 50 overs. This is also their second-highest score in tournament history.