- 114 vs South Africa – Cardiff, 2013:
Dhawan’s love affair with South Africa in ICC tournaments commenced with this knock, in the opening game of the 2013 Champions Trophy. Making his comeback to the ODI team after two years, Dhawan carried on from where he left at Mohali against Australia a few months ago. His strokes were pleasing as he dominated the Proteas bowlers right from the offset. In this game, it was the first time India tried Dhawan and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, and till date, that remains a masterstroke of a decision. His 94-ball knock of 114 included 12 boundaries and a maximum as he laid the foundation for India’s score of 331. MS Dhoni’s men were unbeaten in this tournament as they went on to win the Champions Trophy and Dhawan was the architect of the tournament victory as he was named the Man of the Series.