'Was nervous': Ryan Rickelton after match-winning maiden century against Afghanistan

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 22, 2025, 10:30 IST

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Ryan Rickelton, South Africa's wicketkeeper-batter, scored his first ODI century in the ICC Champions Trophy, leading to a win against Afghanistan. Despite his satisfaction, he expressed regret about his dismissal and acknowledged areas of improvement. Rickelton's performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, placing him in the company of notable South African century-makers in ICC tournaments.

'Was nervous': Ryan Rickelton after match-winning maiden century against Afghanistan

Ryan Rickelton (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Following his match-winning performance against Afghanistan at the National Stadium on Friday in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, South Africa's wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton shared his thoughts after achieving his first century in ODI cricket.
The 28-year-old left-handed batsman expressed regret about his dismissal and mentioned his intention to play more aggressively after reaching his hundred.

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For his brilliant century, Rickelton received the 'Player of the Match' accolade. He scored 103 runs from 106 deliveries, including seven boundaries and one six, maintaining a strike rate of 97.16.

"Was nervous coming into today, first ICC event. Was a bit edgy but happy to contribute to the team in a winning performance. We thought the surface would be a bit tacky, but it played alright. The bounce was a bit inconsistent but we worked our way through it. I thought we played nicely with the batting we had in the tank to get a competitive total on the board," Ryan Rickleton said in the post-match presentation.
"Disappointing to get out always, especially in that manner. Was looking to pull the trigger after that, but the guys who came in after did that and we managed to pick up a few extra boundaries. It is something I have done since I was a young kid, wasn't too difficult. Wasn't the best night with the gloves, but will learn from these mistakes," he added.

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In 2025, Rickelton sustained his impressive form across all cricket formats, achieving the distinction of being the first South African to score a hundred in his ICC Champions Trophy debut match.
He became the inaugural Proteas centurion on CT debut. The left-handed batsman joined distinguished company including Herschelle Gibbs, Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis as century-makers in the tournament.
He now stands alongside Gary Kirsten as the second South African to score a hundred in their first ICC tournament appearance, with Kirsten having scored 188 against UAE in his World Cup debut at Rawalpindi in 1996.

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