In a scintillating display of batting brilliance, Rachin Ravindra etched his name into the record books during New Zealand’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against South Africa at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Ravindra’s majestic 108 runs off 101 balls not only helped propel New Zealand to a commanding total but also made history, becoming the first player to score his first five ODI centuries in an ICC event.
A HISTORIC KNOCK IN ICC EVENTS
Ravindra’s century came in record-breaking fashion. His innings of 108 marked his fifth ODI century, all of which he has scored in ICC events, making him the only player in history to achieve such a feat. What made his achievement even more remarkable was that he reached this milestone in just 13 innings, setting a new benchmark for the fastest to five centuries in an ICC event. This surpassed the previous record of India’s Shikhar Dhawan, who had reached the mark in 15 innings.
BACKING UP RAVINDRA: KANE WILLIAMSON'S CENTURY
While Ravindra’s knock stole the headlines, he was well supported by New Zealand’s legendary former captain, Kane Williamson. Williamson, continuing to shine on the big stage, struck his 15th ODI century—his fourth in an ICC tournament—completing 102 runs off 115 balls. Together, Ravindra and Williamson’s brilliance powered New Zealand to a massive 362/6 after opting to bat first.
This was Ravindra’s second century in the 2025 Champions Trophy, having previously scored 112 runs in his tournament debut against Bangladesh. After a brief low, scoring just 6 runs in the last group-stage match against India, Ravindra made an emphatic return in the semi-final with a knock that truly mattered.
Ravindra JOINS ELITE COMPANY IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY HISTORY
Ravindra became the first-ever New Zealand batter to score multiple centuries in the same Champions Trophy edition. This achievement placed him in the company of cricketing greats like Chris Gayle, Sourav Ganguly, Saeed Anwar, and Shane Watson, all of whom have scored two centuries in a single Champions Trophy edition. With his 108 runs, Ravindra joined an exclusive list of cricketers who have achieved this rare feat in the prestigious tournament.
A YOUNG STAR RISING FAST
At just 25 years and 107 days old, Ravindra became the second-youngest New Zealand player to score five ODI centuries, following in the footsteps of Kane Williamson, who reached the same milestone at 24 years and 165 days. Ravindra’s rapid rise in the ODI format is now firmly etched in the history books of New Zealand cricket.
RECORD-BREAKING SPEED: FASTEST TO FIVE ODI CENTURIES FOR NEW ZEALAND
A MOMENT FOR THE CRICKETING WORLD
Ravindra’s century was a moment that went beyond just New Zealand cricket. Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith praised his performance, calling it an "absolute exhibition" of batting prowess. Commentator Kass Naidoo echoed the sentiment, remarking that Ravindra’s cricketing idols—Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and Virat Kohli—must be watching with admiration.
As Ravindra reached his century with a couple on the 32nd over, there was a poignant moment when he removed his helmet, acknowledging the crowd's applause. His batting partner, Kane Williamson, shared a warm embrace with Ravindra, a gesture that highlighted the passing of the baton in New Zealand cricket.
RAVINDRA’S KNOCK IN NUMBERS
- - Runs Scored: 108
- - Balls Faced: 101
- - Fours: 13
- - Sixes: 1
- - Dismissed For: 107 (caught by Rabada)
Ravindra’s blistering innings ended when he was caught behind by Kagiso Rabada, but not before he had made a lasting impression on the world stage. His remarkable consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure moments make him a name to watch in world cricket for years to come.
A LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Rachin Ravindra's record-breaking century in the semi-final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has not only solidified his place as one of New Zealand’s brightest young talents but also captured the attention of cricket fans across the globe. His feats are a testament to his ability, and as he continues to rise, it’s clear that Ravindra has the potential to join the ranks of cricketing legends.
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