Aiden Markram records fastest Champions Trophy fifty by SA batter
What's the story
Aiden Markram made a significant mark in South Africa's opener at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, against Afghanistan.
The right-handed batsman aced the finisher's role and recorded the fastest CT fifty by a Proteas batter.
SA were also powered by 50-plus scores from captain Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Ryan Rickelton.
This combined effort took South Africa to a daunting total of 315/6 at Karachi's National Stadium.
Match progression
Rickelton's aggressive start sets tone for South Africa
Rickelton (103) was instrumental in bolstering South Africa's position in the match.
After losing fellow opener Tony de Zorzi (11) early on, he stitched a solid 129-run partnership with skipper Bavuma (58) for the second wicket.
He continued to bat well even after Bavuma's departure and brought up his maiden hundred in the format.
Middle-order performance
Crucial fifty from Markram
After Rickelton's dismissal, South Africa were at 201/3 with 15 overs to go.
Despite Heinrich Klaasen's absence due to a left elbow injury, Rassie (52) and Markram prevented a middle-order collapse.
The latter was destructive in particular as he went berserk in the last 10 overs. Markram returned unbeaten as his side posted a daunting total.
Record
Markram scripts this record
As per Cricbuzz, Markram hit the fastest fifty by a SA batter in the Champions Trophy, off 33 balls.
He went past Graeme Smith and Ryan McLaren. The two former cricketers scripted 40-ball half-centuries in the tourney.
As mentioned, Bavuma, Rassie, and Rickelton also touched the 50-run mark in the contest.
This was just the second instance of four batters touching the 50-run mark in the same CT innings.
India scripted this milestone versus Pakistan in 2017.
Information
SA's highest score in CT
SA scripted their second-highest total in CT history, 315/6. This is only behind their 316/5 versus Kenya in Colombo during the 2002 edition. Overall, this is their fourth 300-plus score in the tourney.
Stats
12th ODI fifty for Markram
Markram's 52* off 36 balls saw him smoke six fours and a maximum. This was his 12th fifty in the format as he also boasts three tons.
In 75 ODIs, Markram has raced to 2,340 runs at an average of 37.14, as per ESPNcricinfo.
This was his second ODI fifty against the Afghan team as he has now raced to 169 runs across six games against them at 56.33.
Notably, Markram is playing his maiden CT game.