The Champions Trophy 2025 has entered its climax with the 2 finalists up in opposition to one another to carry the last word glory of the event. Within the first semi-finals of the event, India managed to dominate Australia and secured a spot for the last word showdown. The second semi-final of the event noticed New Zealand and South Africa face one another, in a nail-biting contest the Black Caps triumphed over Proteas and entered the ultimate of the competitors.
Whereas New Zealand put collectively an enormous complete for the Proteas to chase, they weren’t happening with out a battle. A central determine to the run chase was South African batter David Miller who scored a century off 67 balls to script historical past by carving out the quickest hundred in Champions Trophy historical past.
A heroic knock from David Miller
South African innings noticed a standout efficiency from Miller, who performed a superb knock of 100 not out from 67 balls. His innings, which included 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, was the anchor for South Africa’s chase, offering hope regardless of a couple of setbacks alongside the way in which. Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, and Rassie van der Dussen every made worthwhile contributions, with Bavuma scoring 56 and van der Dussen including 69, however it was Miller’s highly effective hitting that stored the required run fee in verify. Regardless of some late wickets, together with Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen falling to Santner and others like Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj getting dismissed within the center overs, Miller’s resilience and robust strike fee of 149.25 stored the chase alive. The large complete New Zealand had put in entrance of the Proteas and the autumn of wickets at essential junctures proved to be an excessive amount of for South Africa as they have been restricted to 312/9 in 50 overs and missed out the goal by 50 runs.
Within the mild of his power-packed innings in opposition to New Zealand to maintain the hopes of his staff alive for a while, listed below are top-5 quickest ODI centuries in Champions Trophy historical past.
High-5 quickest tons in Champions Trophy
(1) David Miller (100 off 67 balls):
Miller arrived on the crease at a vital level. Star batters within the South African staff like Rickelton, Bavuma, Klassen and Van der Dussen had already gone again to the pavilion. The required run-rate was astonishingly excessive and so much within the run-chase was left to be carried out.
Miller carved out necessary partnerships with tailenders and averted a sudden collapse of the South African innings. His partnerships with Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi enabled the Proteas to achieve someplace close to to the New Zealand complete. Nonetheless, regardless of his finest efforts, Miller couldn’t save the sport for his staff.
(2) Virender Sehwag (100 off 77 balls):
Virender Sehwag performed a scintillating knock through the 2002 Champions Trophy conflict in opposition to England. His power-packed innings led India to a dominant 8-wicket victory over England. Sehwag’s explosive 126 runs off simply 104 balls was the cornerstone of India’s chase, as he dismantled the English bowling assault with ease. His innings was a show of pure energy and aggression, that includes 21 boundaries and a six, at a blistering strike fee of 121.15. Sehwag’s fast-paced assault ensured that India reached their goal of 270 with 63 balls to spare. His exceptional capacity to seek out gaps and speed up the scoring fee put India firmly in command of the match, with Sehwag’s dynamic batting making certain a easy and emphatic end to the chase.
Additionally Watch: Mitchell Santner cleans up Rassie van der Dussen with a jaffa in Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal
(3) Josh Inglis (100 off 77 balls):
Within the thrilling 2025 ICC Champions Trophy match between Australia and England, Josh Inglis delivered a panoramic century, main Australia to a commanding 5-wicket victory. Inglis’ excellent innings of 120 not out from simply 86 balls was the defining efficiency of the chase. His knock was a mix of precision and energy, as he struck 8 boundaries and 6 sixes, sustaining a exceptional strike fee of 139.53. Inglis anchored Australia’s pursuit of 352, enjoying with confidence and composure within the face of mounting stress. His capacity to speed up when wanted, coupled together with his resilience within the center overs, steered Australia to victory with 15 balls to spare. Inglis’ masterful century proved to be the distinction, cementing his standing as a match-winner on this thrilling contest.
(4) Shikar Dhawan (100 off 80 balls):
Dhawan performed a masterful innings in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy conflict in opposition to South Africa, scoring a superb 114 off 94 balls. His innings was an ideal mix of class and aggression, as he struck 12 boundaries and 1 six, sustaining a putting fee of 121.27. Dhawan’s capacity to seek out gaps and accumulate runs rapidly allowed India to construct a stable basis for his or her complete of 331/7. From the outset, he was in full management, dispatching the South African bowlers to all elements of the bottom. His calculated aggression within the powerplay, coupled together with his capacity to speed up within the center overs, ensured that India’s innings remained on monitor, whilst wickets fell round him. Dhawan’s commanding knock was a key spotlight of the match, showcasing his class and temperament in a high-pressure encounter.
(5) Tillakratne Dilshan (100 off 87 balls):
Tillakaratne Dilshan performed a sensational innings in Sri Lanka’s victory over South Africa within the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring a superb 106 runs off 92 balls. His knock was a flawless show of timing and precision, as he struck 16 boundaries and 1 six, sustaining a formidable strike fee of 115.21. Dilshan’s aggressive strokeplay set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings, as he effortlessly discovered gaps and dominated the South African bowlers. His partnership with Mahela Jayawardene, who additionally scored a worthwhile 77, was pivotal in constructing a stable basis.
Dilshan’s capacity to speed up the scoring within the center overs, mixed together with his composure below stress, performed a key position in Sri Lanka posting a formidable complete of 319/8. His all-round efficiency earned him the Participant of the Match award and was instrumental in securing Sri Lanka’s 55-run victory below the D/L technique.
