Richard Levi insists he'll never forget the day he announced himself on the world stage after hitting the fastest Twenty20 international century in history.

The 24-year-old South Africa star needed just 45 balls to reach three figures after smashing a record 12 sixes. He finished unbeaten on 117 from 67 deliveries.

Johannesburg-born Levi, who has also been in impressive form for club side Cape Cobras, led the Proteas to an eight-wicket win over New Zealand.

"I had a lot fun out there," he said. "It will definitely be an occasion and memory that will stay with me forever. I had no idea of the records that I passed and it is a great honour to be classed in the same league as Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum."