Ryan Rickelton Century: Ryan Rickelton hit a very special century, the wait ended as soon as he came to the Champions Trophy

The start of the Champions Trophy 2025 is proving to be excellent for the batsmen and it has been raining for centuries. After the batsmen of New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, now South Africa has also scored a century in the tournament. In the third match of the Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan-UAE, South African opener Ryan Rickelton scored a brilliant century. Rickelton scored this century in just 102 balls in the match against Afghanistan. His century was very special because, for the first time in his ODI career, he touched the 100 mark.

Rickelton hit the first century of his career

Ryan Rickelton scored this magnificent century in the third match of the Champions Trophy on Friday, 21 February at the National Stadium in Karachi. Opening the innings for South Africa, Ryan shared a century partnership with captain Temba Bavuma and soon scored the first century of his ODI career. Rickelton, who made his ODI debut about 2 years ago, had recently confirmed his place in the ODI team but was waiting for his first century and now that wait is over.

Left-handed batsman Ricky Ponting completed his century by taking a run off the first ball of Mohammad Nabi in the 35th over. Ricky Ponting, who was playing his seventh ODI match, had scored only one half-century before this and his highest score was 91 runs. Last time he missed out on a century but this time Ricky Ponting ended his wait. Ricky Ponting hit 7 fours and 1 six to reach the century.

Unfortunate run out

However, after scoring a century, Rickleton's innings did not last long and he was unfortunately run out. While trying to play a ball from Rashid Khan, he shot back towards the bowler. Rashid showed agility here and immediately caught the ball and threw it back to the wicketkeeper, who ran Rickleton out. The South African batsman was out after scoring 103 runs.

Fifth century in 3 consecutive matches

He also became the fifth batsman to score a century in this Champions Trophy. Before him, New Zealand's Will Young and Tom Latham had scored centuries in the very first match of the tournament. Then in the second match, Bangladesh's Tauheed Hridoy also scored the first century of his career. In the same match, Shubman Gill also scored a wonderful century for India and led Team India to victory. Now with Rickyton's innings, a century has been seen in the third consecutive match.