South African opener Ryan Rickelton scored his first ODI century in the team’s opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy against Afghanistan at the National Stadium. He reached the landmark in 101 balls at Karachi.
The 28-year-old left-hander, who has been in top form in 2025, built a crucial 129-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma. Bavuma contributed 58 runs off 76 balls for the second wicket. Rickelton’s previous best ODI score was 91 against Ireland in October 2024.
Rickelton had recently impressed in Test cricket with a double century against Pakistan. He continued his strong run in the Champions Trophy, opening the innings and guiding South Africa to a solid position in their opening match of the tournament.
Rickelton impressed in the 2025 SA20 season for MI Cape Town. He scored 336 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of nearly 179, helping his team win the title. He now looks to continue his form in the IPL. Rickelton was picked by Mumbai Indians for ₹1 crore in last year’s IPL auction. He will play under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy in the upcoming season.
