Blazing centuries, fearless stroke play, and records that stand the test of time
Another ICC tournament, another South African heartache. The Proteas' struggles with high-pressure situations continued as New Zealand advanced to the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a 50-run victory. The Kiwis set a target of 362/6 after winning the toss, with Rachin Ravindra's 108 and Kane Williamson's 102 providing a strong foundation, which was enhanced by late fireworks from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
South Africa's chase began brightly but quickly fell apart. Temba Bavuma's sluggish 56 added to the pressure, and the innings collapsed after he and Rassie van der Dussen (69) were dismissed. Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets, and New Zealand's disciplined bowling sealed South Africa's fate.
Despite the loss, David Miller shone with an unbeaten 100 from 67 balls, marking the fastest century in Champions Trophy history. While it did not change the result, it solidified his reputation as one of the tournament's quickest century-makers. Here are the top five fastest Centurions in Champions Trophy history.
David Miller came in with the required run rate already approaching 10 an over. The situation demanded something special, and he delivered in style. Miller smashed ten boundaries and four enormous sixes on his way to a century in 67 balls. His strike rate of 149.25 showcased his dominance, but a lack of support from the other end rendered his innings ineffective in changing the game's outcome.
If any batter has ever made bowlers reconsider their profession, it was Virender Sehwag. In the 2002 Champions Trophy against England, he tore through their bowling attack with an exhilarating century in just 77 deliveries. Sehwag's 126 off 104 balls, which included 21 fours and a six, guided India to victory by eight wickets with 63 balls remaining.
Lahore has hosted numerous historic events, and in 2025, Josh Inglis added his name to the list with an incredible innings against England. Chasing a formidable target of 352, Australia needed a remarkable performance, and Inglis obliged with a century off just 77 balls. His unbeaten score of 120 from 86 deliveries, which included eight fours and six sixes, propelled Australia to complete the chase with 15 balls remaining.
Shikhar Dhawan and ICC competitions have a well-known love affair. Back in 2013, his brilliant 114 off 94 balls against South Africa in Cardiff marked an ideal debut on the big stage. Dhawan scored a century in just 80 balls, with 12 precise boundaries and a six, helping India reach 331/7. South Africa fought hard but lost by 26 runs.
Tillakaratne Dilshan was a batsman who scored runs and made a statement. His 106 off 92 balls against South Africa in the 2009 Champions Trophy opening was a batting masterpiece. With 16 fours and his signature 'Dilscoops', his century came in just 87 balls, helping Sri Lanka amass a formidable 319/8 in Centurion. Rain reduced South Africa's target to 262 in 37.4 overs, but they failed to recover from the early setback and handed Sri Lanka an easy 55-run victory by DLS.
