Brian Lara described his match-winning century in the opening match of the 2003 World Cup as the best one-day innings of his career on Sunday.
Asked where his 116 stood in his list of achievements, he told a news conference: "Today this ranks as number one.
"It's important in the context of the tournament. We didn't get off to a good start and this is the world stage. We had to fight."
The Trinidadian's 134-ball innings, out of a total of 278 for five and which set up a three-run upset win over the hosts, capped a remarkable comeback.
Just over a year ago the 33-year-old left-hander dislocated and fractured his left elbow when playing in Sri Lanka and did not return to the nets for three months. He was then dogged by a back injury and collapsed at the Champions Trophy in September with a mystery illness after scoring a century against Kenya.
That illness almost cost him his place in the World Cup squad.
Lara had a huge slice of luck on Sunday, however, edging his first ball to a diving Jacques Kallis at second slip, only for the South African to get a hand to the ball but spill the chance.
"Considering the amount of work I put in during the last couple of months since I was cleared medically, I don't think I deserved a first-ball duck," Lara smiled.
