Rachin Ravindra made a significant impact on the record books with an impressive century, illuminating the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. Ravindra scored 108 runs off 101 balls, achieving the distinction of being the only player to record his first five ODI centuries in an ICC event. He also set a new record for the fastest five centuries in an ICC ODI event, surpassing the previous record held by India's Shikhar Dhawan. Having scored three centuries in his ODI World Cup debut in India in 2023, Ravindra reached his fifth century in an ICC event in just 13 innings, two innings fewer than Dhawan.

Supporting Ravindra's remarkable performance was former captain Kane Williamson, who also delivered a stellar century. The New Zealand veteran recorded his 15th ODI century and fourth in an ICC tournament. Together, Ravindra's 108 and Williamson's 102 propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 362/6 after they chose to bat first.

This marked Ravindra's second century in the current Champions Trophy. After missing the opening match against Pakistan due to injury, he scored 112 against Bangladesh in his Champions Trophy debut. Although he was dismissed for a mere 6 runs in the final group-stage match against India, he made a strong comeback in the crucial semi-final against South Africa.

Ravindra became the first New Zealand player to achieve multiple centuries in a single Champions Trophy. The left-handed opener, who also contributes with left-arm spin bowling, joined the ranks of notable players such as Chris Gayle, who holds the record for the most centuries (3) in a single Champions Trophy (2006), along with Sourav Ganguly (2000), Saeed Anwar (2000), Harschelle Gibbs (2002), Upul Tharanga (2006), Shane Watson (2009), and Shikhar Dhawan (2013) in the exclusive list of players with more than one century in a single edition of this prestigious tournament.

Least innings to 5 ODI hundreds for New Zealand

22 - Devon Conway

28 - Rachin Ravindra

30 - Daryl Mitchell

56 - Kane Williamson

64 - Nathan Astle

At the age of 25 years and 107 days, Rachin Ravindra has become the second-youngest New Zealand batsman to achieve five ODI centuries, following Kane Williamson, who accomplished this feat at 24 years and 165 days.

'Idols Kohli, Sangakkara, Ponting would be proud of Rachin Ravindra'

Kass Naidoo remarked that Ravindra's idols—Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and Virat Kohli—would undoubtedly take pride in his accomplishments thus far. "His idols must be thinking this guy is something," she noted.

Ravindra reached his century with a two-run score in the 32nd over, as Kagiso Rabada delivered a ball on his pads, which Ravindra deftly clipped to the on-side before returning for a second run. He then removed his helmet, taking a moment to absorb the applause from both the crowd and the dressing room. His batting partner, Kane Williamson, embraced him warmly, marking a memorable moment of mentorship.

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith commented, "Forget New Zealand; this is a moment for the cricket world. Ravindra has put on an absolute exhibition."

Ravindra's innings concluded at 107 runs when Rabada managed to find the outside edge of his bat. During his remarkable performance, the left-handed batsman struck 13 fours and one six.

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