The Champions Trophy 2025 has entered its climax with the two finalists up against each other to lift the ultimate glory of the tournament. In the first semi-finals of the tournament, India managed to dominate Australia and secured a place for the ultimate showdown. The second semi-final of the tournament saw New Zealand and South Africa face e🙈ach other, in ๊a nail-biting contest the Black Caps triumphed over Proteas and entered the final of the competition.
While New Zealand put together a huge total for the Proteas to chase, they were not going down without a fight. A central figure to the run chase was South African batter David Miller who scored a century off 67 balls 𓃲to script history by carving out the fastest hundred in Champions Trophy histꦬory.
A heroic knock from David Miller
South African innings saw a standout performance from Miller, who played a brilliant 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, providing hope despite a few setbacks along the way. Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, and Rassie van der Dussen each made valuable contributions, with Bavuma scoring 56 and van der Dussen adding 69, but it was Miller’s powerful hitting that kept the required run rate in check. Despite some late wickets, including Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen falling to Santner and others like Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj getting dismissed in the middle overs, Miller’s resilience and strong strike rate of 149.25 kept the chase alive. The gigantic total New Zealand had put in front of the Proteas and the fall of wickets at crucial junctures proved to be too much for South Africa as they were restricted to 312/9 in 50 overs and missed out the target by 50 runs.
In th♏e light of his power-packed innings against New Zealand to keep the hopes of his team alive for some time, here are top-5 fastest ODI centuries in Champions Trophy history.
Top-5 fastest tons in Champions Trophy
(1) David Miller (100 off 67 balls):
Miller arrived on the crease at a critical point. Star batters in the South African team like Rickelton, Bavuma, Klassen and Van der Dussen had already gone back to the pavilion. The required runꦜ-rate was astonish𒀰ingly high and a lot in the run-chase was left to be done.
Miller carved out important partnerships with tailenders and averted a sudden collapse of the South African innings. His partnerships with Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi eಞnabled the Proteas to reach somewhere near to the New Zealand total. However, despite his best efforts, Miller could not sav𝕴e the game for his team.
(2) Virender Sehwag (100 off 77 balls):
Virender Sehwag played a scintillating knock during the 2002 Champions Trophy clash against England. His power-packed innings led India to a dominant 8-wicket victory over England. Sehwag’s explosive 126 runs off just 104 balls was the cornerstone of India’s chase, as he dismantled the English bowling attack with ease. His innings was a display of pure power and aggression, featuring 21 boundaries and a six, at a blistering strike rate of 121.15. Sehwag’s fast-paced assault ensured that India reached their target of 270 with 63 balls to spare. His remarkable ability to find gaps and accelerate the scoring rate put India firmly in control of the match, with Sehwag’s dynamic batting ensuring a smooth and emphatic finish to the chase.
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(3) Josh Inglis (100 off 77 balls):
In the thrilling 2025 ICC Champions Trophy match between Australia and England, Josh Inglis delivered a breathtaking century, leading Australia to a commanding 5-wicket victory. Inglis’ superb innings of 120 not out from just 86 balls was the defining performance of the chase. His knock was a blend of precision and power, as he struck 8 boundaries and 6 sixes, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 139.53. Inglis anchored Australia’s pursuit of 352, playing with confidence and composure in the face of mounting pressure. His ability to accelerate when needed, coupled with his resilience in the middle overs, steered Australia to victory with 15 balls to spare. Inglis’ masterful century proved to be the difference, cementing his status as a match-winner in this thrilling contest.
(4) Shikar Dhawan (100 off 80 balls):
Dhawan played a masterful innings in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy clash against South Africa, scoring a brilliant 114 off 94 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of elegance and aggression, as he struck 12 boundaries and 1 six, maintaining a striking rate of 121.27. Dhawan’s ability to find gaps and accumulate runs quickly allowed India to build a solid foundation for their total of 331/7. From the outset, he was in complete control, dispatching the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground. His calculated aggression in the powerplay, coupled with his ability to accelerate in the middle overs, ensured that India’s innings remained on track, even as wickets fell around him. Dhawan’s commanding knock was a key highlight of the match, showcasing his class and temperament in a high-pressure encounter.
(5) Tillakratne Dilshan (100 off 87 balls):
Tillakaratne Dilshan played a sensational innings in Sri Lanka’s victory over South Africa in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring a brilliant 106 runs off 92 balls. His knock was a flawless display of timing and precision, as he struck 16 boundaries and 1 six, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 115.21. Dilshan’s aggressive strokeplay set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings, as he effortlessly found gaps and dominated the South African bowlers. His partnership with Mahela Jayawardene, who also scored a valuable 77, was pivotal in building a solid foundatioꦯn.
Dilshan’s ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs, combined with his composure under pressure, played a key role in Sri Lanka posting a formidable total of 319/8. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award and was instrumental in securing Sri Lanka’s 55-run victory under the D/L method.
