Rickelton’s Maiden Century Propels South Africa to Strong Total in Champions Trophy

The opening partnership between Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi started positively, but Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi, making a record-breaking Champions Trophy debut at the age of 40, made an immediate impact by dismissing de Zorzi early. Afghanistan’s hopes of a breakthrough faded when Rickelton took charge, crafting boundaries with ease and expertly sweeping both conventional and reverse against the spinners.

South African captain Temba Bavuma played the anchor role, supporting Rickelton and contributing a steady 50 runs off 63 balls before falling to Nabi. Despite losing Bavuma, South Africa were in a solid position at 129/2.

Rickelton, who was on the cusp of reaching his century, faced a brief scare when he misjudged an arm ball from Nabi. However, luck favored him, as the miscue fell safely between two fielders. It wasn’t long before he reached his milestone, becoming the third centurion of the tournament. His knock was cut short soon after, as Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan executed a brilliant run out, leaving Rickelton stranded at the crease.

With South Africa at 201/3, the middle-order needed to keep the momentum alive, and Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram did so effectively. Van der Dussen, returning to form with a 52 off 41 balls, and Markram, who accelerated with 52* off 36 balls, ensured the scoring rate never dipped. Markram’s six and six fours were particularly damaging, pushing the total past 300 and beyond Afghanistan’s reach.

Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 51 runs, but it was not enough to halt the South African onslaught.

Brief Scores: South Africa: 315/6 in 50 overs (Ryan Rickelton 103, Aiden Markram 52*, Rassie van der Dussen 52; Mohammad Nabi 2-51) vs Afghanistan.