The Champions Trophy has already delivered a record number of centuries, with Ryan Rickelton's 103 in Karachi on Friday being the fifth century scored in the tournament. This surpasses the number of hundreds scored in any edition of the Champions Trophy or the first three matches in any edition of the men's World Cup. The conditions in Pakistan have been batter friendly, with the dew setting in and the ball skidding on nicely, making it easier for batsmen to score runs.
Rickelton's feat followed Shubman Gill's unbeaten 101 for India and Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy's 100 in Dubai on Thursday. That came after Will Young's 107 and Tom Latham's 118 not out for New Zealand against Pakistan in the tournament opener in Karachi on Wednesday. The batting friendly conditions have made it difficult for bowlers, with teams compiling totals of 300 or more frequently in Pakistan. The pattern has persisted, with Dubai coming to Pakistan's party for good measure.
The list of centuries scored in the first three matches of the tournament includes:
- Ryan Rickelton - 103
- Shubman Gill - 101
- Towhid Hridoy - 100
- Will Young - 107
- Tom Latham - 118
The tournament has seen a run glut of record proportions, with the
pitch conditions playing a significant role in the high scoring rates. The surface in Karachi, which was unusually well-grassed for the subcontinent and cracked, reminded Rassie van der Dussen of a "day-three pitch at the Wanderers".
The Champions Trophy has a history of high scoring rates, with three centuries scored in the first three matches of a World Cup or Champions Trophy four times, and four tons twice. The conditions in Pakistan, with its flat pitches, fast outfields, and cozy boundaries, have made it an ideal location for batsmen to score runs. However, as Rickelton said, the runs don't score themselves, and today's good performance will mean nothing tomorrow.
The tournament is expected to continue with high scoring rates, with teams looking to take advantage of the batter friendly conditions. The next game is the most important one, and teams will be looking to make the most of the opportunities they get. With the batting friendly conditions and the pitch playing a significant role, the Champions Trophy is expected to be a thrilling tournament with many more runs and centuries to come.
