South African opener Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century was a mix of elegance, composure, and aggression, but it ended in one of the most unfortunate and bizarre ways during the match against Afghanistan on Friday, February 21, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Rickelton played a magnificent knock of 103 runs off 106 balls, lacing his innings with seven well-timed fours and a towering six. His ability to adapt to the conditions, build a solid partnership, and play both spin and pace with confidence was on full display as he guided his team into a commanding position.
However, just when it seemed like he would push on for a bigger score and lead South Africa to an even more dominant total, his innings ended in an extraordinary fashion. The left-handed batter, who was looking well set at the crease, stepped down the pitch to take on Rashid Khan, playing the ball straight back to the Afghan bowler. Rashid, known for his sharp reflexes and game awareness, immediately realized that Rickelton was outside his crease and, in a flash, picked up the ball and hurled a direct throw at the stumps at the striker’s end. Rickelton, sensing the danger, turned back and made a desperate dive to ground his bat inside the crease. However, in a cruel twist of fate, he lost his footing at the crucial moment, slipped, and failed to make it back in time, resulting in an unfortunate run-out that left him in disbelief.
Rickelton had begun his innings with confidence, showing intent from the very start. He got off the mark with a boundary off just the third delivery he faced, taking on Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. In the fourth over, he continued his attacking approach against the same bowler, striking two consecutive boundaries to send an early message to the Afghan attack. His only six of the innings was a display of fearless stroke-making as he stepped down the track to dispatch Farooqi over the long-on boundary. The left-hander looked at ease against both pace and spin and brought up his half-century in just 48 balls, accelerating at the right moments and punishing any loose deliveries that came his way. Two well-placed boundaries off Azmatullah Omarzai helped him reach the milestone, signaling his growing dominance at the crease.
Once past his fifty, Rickelton played with even greater maturity, showing excellent shot selection and rotating the strike smartly. He built a crucial second-wicket partnership with South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, adding a vital 129 runs off 142 balls. The duo worked hard to rebuild the innings after Tony de Zorzi was dismissed cheaply for 11 off 11 balls by Mohammad Nabi. Bavuma provided steady support, playing a responsible knock, and together, the two batters ensured that South Africa maintained a strong position in the game. Rickelton, on the other hand, mixed caution with aggression, ensuring that he kept the scoreboard ticking without taking unnecessary risks. His century, which came off 101 balls, was a well-constructed effort, and he brought up the milestone with a single off Mohammad Nabi.
However, just as he looked set to convert his hundred into an even bigger score, his luck ran out with Rashid’s brilliant piece of fielding. It was an unfortunate way to get dismissed, but his innings had already made a strong impact. Bavuma, who had played a solid knock of 58 off 76 balls, reached his half-century before falling on the very next delivery after surviving a close lbw appeal.
After Rickelton’s departure, South Africa continued to pile on the runs, with Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram stepping up. Van der Dussen played an attacking innings, scoring 52 off 46 balls, while Markram remained unbeaten on 52 off just 36 deliveries. Their aggressive approach in the final overs helped South Africa capitalize on the solid foundation laid by Rickelton and Bavuma, propelling the team’s total to a competitive 315.
Rickelton’s innings, despite ending bizarrely, stood as a testament to his growing stature in international cricket. His shot selection, temperament, and ability to anchor the innings were remarkable, and his century will be remembered as one of the most impressive knocks by a South African opener in recent times. While his dismissal may have been unfortunate, his performance reinforced the depth and quality in South Africa’s batting lineup, proving that he has the talent to deliver on the biggest stage. His innings, combined with valuable contributions from Bavuma, van der Dussen, and Markram, ensured that South Africa had a strong total to defend, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
