Levi takes ICC's T20 award for fastest ton

South Africa's Richard Levi took home the ICC's T20I Performance of the Year award for his innings of 117 not out off 51 balls against New Zealand, in Auckland in February. That effort broke Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century in international T20s - Levi got to the mark in 45 balls.

In that game Levi, playing only his second international match, also hit the most sixes in an international Twenty20 innings: 13.

"I don't remember much of the innings but I regularly get reminded of it," Levi said after collecting his award. "With T20 cricket it either comes off or it doesn't and for me it came off that day. I'm looking forward to playing Sri Lanka when the ICC World Twenty20 gets underway. It's very humbling to get [this award]."

It was the only award on the day for South Africa, with Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander missing out on a couple of top honours. Cricket South Africa congratulated Levi for his achievement. "It was a phenomenal performance and one that is going to be talked about for years to come," CSA acting CEO Jacques Faul said. "To win the award he had to beat off serious competition."

Levi's century was picked over Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan (nominated for his century against Australia last August) and Ajantha Mendis (for his six-for against Australia during the same series), and West Indies' Chris Gayle (for his unbeaten 85 against New Zealand in Florida) in the category.