ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI ton ends in bizarre run-out against Afghanistan
Xtra Time Web Desk: South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century ended in an unfortunate manner as he was dismissed in a bizarre run-out against Afghanistan on Friday, February 21, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Rickelton played a magnificent knock of 103 off 106 balls, including seven fours and a six, to put South Africa in a commanding position.
However, his innings came to an abrupt end when he stepped out against Rashid Khan and played the ball back to the bowler. Seeing Rickelton out of his crease, Rashid threw the ball at the stumps. The South African opener slipped while trying to return to the crease, resulting in his dismissal. This left South Africa at 201/3 after 35.3 overs.
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Rickelton began his innings with a boundary off Fazalhaq Farooqi and continued to dominate, hitting consecutive boundaries in the fourth over. His only six came against Farooqi, as he danced down the track to loft the ball over long-on. The left-hander reached his second ODI fifty off 48 balls, showcasing his aggressive yet composed approach.
After his fifty, Rickelton displayed maturity, rotating the strike with Temba Bavuma and punishing loose deliveries. He brought up his maiden ODI century off 101 balls with a single against Mohammad Nabi.
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Rickelton and Bavuma stitched together a crucial 129-run partnership for the second wicket, rescuing South Africa after Tony de Zorzi fell cheaply for 11. Bavuma scored 58 off 76 balls before being dismissed shortly after reaching his sixth ODI fifty.
Following Rickelton’s dismissal, Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46) and Aiden Markram (52* off 36) played aggressive half-centuries to propel South Africa to a competitive total of 315.
Despite the bizarre end to his innings, Rickelton’s century was a standout performance, highlighting his potential as a reliable opener for South Africa.
