Colombo: South African batsman Richard Levi won the ICC Twenty20 International Performance of the Year on Saturday in recognition of his 51-ball 117 not out innings against New Zealand.
On Feb 19, during the Proteas' against New Zealand in Hamilton, Levi on his debut tour for South Africa smashed his way to 117 not out with a swashbuckling innings that included five fours and 13 sixes.
Levi took just 45 balls to reach his century, making him the current record holder for the fastest century in T20I cricket, ahead of former holder Chris Gayle who managed the feat in 50 balls.
Upon collecting the award the 24-year-old from Johannesburg said: "I don't remember much of the innings but I regularly get reminded of it. When any sportsman performs well, with T20 cricket it either comes off or it doesn't and for me it came off that day."