Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI ton leads South Africa to opening victory

Ryan Rickelton hit a maiden one-day international century to lead South Africa to a comfortable 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy Group B opener in Karachi.

The wicketkeeper-batter hit seven fours and a six in his 103 off 106 balls before being run out as he gave the Proteas the perfect platform to compile a competitive 315 for six.

Afghanistan never seriously threatened the South Africa total despite a near run-a-ball 90 from Rahmat Shah as they were dismissed for 208 in the 44th over.

Tony de Zorzi fell early for the Proteas for 11 but Rickelton was given valuable support by Temba Bavuma (58) and Rassie van der Dussen (52) before he was third out with the score on 201 with just under 15 overs remaining.

Aiden Markram did not let the solid platform go to waste as he put the finishing touches to the South Africa innings with an unbeaten 52 off just 46 balls.

Afghanistan struggled to gain any momentum has they began their chase as wickets tumbled at regular intervals, with only Shah managing to get on top of the Proteas’ attack.

No other batter managed more than 18 as Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the attack with three for 36, while there were two wickets apiece for Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder.