Rickelton and Bavuma Lead South Africa’s Domination Against Pakistan
South Africa ended the opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town, in a commanding position at 316-4, led by a career-best unbeaten 176 from Ryan Rickelton and a classy 106 from captain Temba Bavuma. The pair added a mammoth 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket, dismantling Pakistan’s bowling attack under the scorching sun.
Rickelton, elevated to opener due to Tony de Zorzi’s injury, took full advantage of his opportunity. His marathon innings lasted 232 balls, featuring 21 fours and a six, marking his second Test century after his maiden ton against Sri Lanka last month. “To get 170-odd is special for me,” Rickelton said. “With the wicket being brittle underneath, we need as many runs as we can in this first innings.”
South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss. Aiden Markram (17) partnered Rickelton for a 61-run opening stand before falling to Khurram Shahzad, caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan struck twice more before lunch: Wiaan Mulder (5) edged Mohammad Abbas, and Tristan Stubbs (0) fell to spinner Salman Agha.
Bavuma continued his stellar form, notching his fourth Test century and his second in seven innings, an incredible run that also includes three half-centuries. His innings ended 15 minutes before stumps when he edged Salman (2-55) to Rizwan, who claimed his fourth catch of the day.
Rickelton remained unbeaten and will resume on Day 2 alongside David Bedingham (4 not out). South Africa’s strong position, however, was slightly overshadowed by an injury to Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, who was carried off the field on a stretcher after an ankle injury, casting doubt over his participation for the rest of the match.
A Difficult Day for Pakistan
Pakistan’s bowlers toiled under tough conditions, with Salman Agha being the most successful, taking two wickets for 55 runs. The seamers struggled to make an impact on a pitch that is the same strip where India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in just 107 overs in January 2022—the shortest Test with a winner in history.
South Africa’s Big Picture
South Africa has already secured their place in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June, but they are aiming to seal a 2-0 series win after narrowly clinching the first Test by two wickets in Pretoria.
With the platform set by Rickelton and Bavuma, South Africa will look to build an imposing first-innings total on Day 2 to put Pakistan under immense pressure in their bid for a series sweep.
