David Miller put on a show. A breathtaking century in just 67 balls against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semifinal. But despite his heroics, South Africa fell short—losing by 50 runs while chasing a massive 363-run target.
Still, Miller’s knock wasn’t just any century. It was one of the fastest in the tournament’s history. And though it didn’t take his team to the final, it cemented his place among the greats.
New Zealand marched ahead. They’ll face India in the final on March 9. Meanwhile, South Africa suffered yet another heartbreaking semifinal exit. But Miller isn’t the only batter to have lit up the Champions Trophy with a rapid-fire century. Let’s rewind and look at the five fastest centuries in the tournament’s history:
Tillakaratne Dilshan – 87 balls (2009)
The Sri Lankan maestro. Also well-known for his daring stroke play and the well-known “Dil Scoop,” Back in 2009, Dilshan smashed a stunning century off just 87 balls against South Africa in Centurion.
Batting first, Sri Lanka put up a solid 319/8. Dilshan led the charge, hammering 106 off 92 balls with 16 boundaries and a six. Rain played spoilsport, but Sri Lanka still emerged victorious via the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Shikhar Dhawan – 80 balls (2013)
Shikhar Dhawan. A name synonymous with big tournaments. And in the 2013 Champions Trophy, he proved it once again.
Read More
Taking on South Africa in Cardiff Dhawan smashed a fiery 80-ball century. His 114-run masterclass, loaded with 12 boundaries and a six, propelled India to 331/7. Despite their best efforts, South Africa was bowling out for 305. Dhawan’s explosive innings set the tone for India’s eventual title-winning campaign.
Josh Inglis – 77 balls (2025)
Fast forward to 2025. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis stole the show in Lahore with a blistering 77-ball hundred against England.
Chasing a daunting 352 after Ben Duckett’s 165-run carnage, Australia looked in deep trouble. Then came Inglis. He took charge, smashing eight boundaries and six sixes, finishing unbeaten on 120 off 86 balls. His knock powered Australia to a stunning victory in the group stage.
Virender Sehwag – 77 balls (2002)
Vintage Sehwag. A nightmare for bowlers. And in 2002, England learned it the hard way.
Chasing 270, Sehwag unleashed an all-out assault in Colombo. In just 77 balls, he reached his century, cracking 21 boundaries and a six. Alongside Sourav Ganguly (117), he made light work of England’s bowling attack, guiding India to a dominant win inside 40 overs.
David Miller – 67 balls (2025)
The stage was set. A high-pressure semifinal against New Zealand. South Africa is wobbling at 164/4. Enter Miller.
He tore into the Kiwi bowlers, smashing 10 fours and four sixes. In just 67 balls he raced to a century. But cricket can be cruel. Even Miller’s brilliance wasn’t enough. South Africa fell short by 50 runs, crashing out yet again.
The silver lining is that Miller made history. His knock is now the fastest century ever in Champions Trophy history. A record to remember.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s Top ODI Run-Scorer Mushfiqur Rahim Retires, Who Troubled India in 2007
