Ryan Rickelton shines with century on Champions Trophy debut: Stats
What's the story
South African opener Ryan Rickelton has announced his arrival in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He displayed his batting skills by scoring a century in SA's opener against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. Captain Temba Bavuma's decision to bat first in Karachi's conditions paid off as Rickelton ruled the field against Afghanistan. Notably, this was his maiden ODI hundred.
Strategic alliance
Rickelton's partnership with Bavuma boosts South Africa
Rickelton was instrumental in bolstering South Africa's position in the match. After losing fellow opener Tony de Zorzi (11) early on, he stitched a solid 129-run partnership with skipper Bavuma (58) for the second wicket. He continued to bat well even after Bavuma's departure and brought up his maiden hundred in the format. A brilliant run-out from Rashid Khan eventually saw his departure.
Stats
Maiden hundred for Rickelton
Rickelton eventually departed for 103 off 106 balls as he smoked seven fours and a maximum. This was his maiden ODI ton as he has raced to 291 runs across seven games at 41.57 (50: 1). As per ESPNcricinfo, the ongoing game marks his Champions Trophy debut. It is also his first ODI game against Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the southpaw scored his seventh ton in List A cricket. He has raced to 3,237 runs at 46-plus (50s: 17).
Information
Rickelton joins these names
Rickelton became just the fifth SA batter to score a ton in CT history, joining the likes of Herschelle Gibbs, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, and Hashim Amla. Gibbs, who scored three tons in this championship, is the only Proteas batter with multiple CT hundreds.
IPL debut
Rickelton secures IPL contract with Mumbai Indians
Rickelton's cricketing skills haven't gone unnoticed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) either. He got his first-ever IPL contract in the mega auction last year. The left-handed batsman was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹1 crore, which was his base price. He will be playing under the leadership of Hardik Pandya in the upcoming season.
Consistent performer
Rickelton's impressive performance in SA20
Rickelton also represents Mumbai Indians's sister franchise, MI Cape Town, in the SA20. He had an incredible 2025 SA20 season, scoring 336 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of nearly 179. His incredible performance played a huge role in MI Cape Town's win and he hopes to repeat the same with Mumbai Indians in the IPL.