South Africa dominates with two centuries on first day against Pakistan

South Africa finished the first day of the second Test against Pakistan in a strong position, with Ryan Rickelton (176*) and Temba Bavuma (106) sharing a brilliant 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket at Newlands, Cape Town. The pair’s partnership was not only the highest fourth-wicket stand for South Africa against Pakistan but also a record for the ground.

Rickelton, who was promoted to open the batting in place of the injured Tony de Zorzi, looked in superb touch, scoring 102 of his 176 runs on the offside. Bavuma, enjoying the best form of his career, was equally impressive, playing most of his shots on the onside, including several fine flicks and pulls. Together, they provided a textbook example of controlled and aggressive batting, taking advantage of a flat pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers.

The conditions at Newlands were a stark contrast to the previous year when the pitch was lively and challenging, leading to a dramatic end on the opening day with 23 wickets falling. This time, however, the pitch remained placid and is expected to improve for batting as the game progresses. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to find a breakthrough, with their pace attack lacking the necessary bite to challenge the South African batters.

Pakistan’s day got off to a bad start when they lost Saim Ayub to an ankle injury while fielding. Ayub was stretchered off and taken to the hospital, with the Pakistan Cricket Board confirming he would not return to the match. This setback seemed to deflate the visitors, although they managed to take three wickets in the final 40 minutes of the morning session. Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, and Tristan Stubbs all fell to Mohammad Abbas and part-time spinner Salman Agha.

Markram was lucky to survive an early shout from Abbas when he was struck on the pad, but replays showed it was only a marginal decision. However, Markram was dismissed shortly after, edging to the substitute fielder Abdullah Shafique, who fumbled the catch, only for Markram to be caught soon after by Rizwan. Mulder also fell to Abbas, and Stubbs was dismissed by Agha, leaving South Africa at 72 for 3.

After the break, Pakistan missed the opportunity to build on their momentum, with Aamer Jamal and Agha rather than bringing back their strike bowlers. This allowed Bavuma and Rickelton to settle in and dominate. Rickelton reached his 100 with a sweep shot off Agha, marking his second century in just three Tests. Bavuma followed soon after, bringing up his own century, his fourth in Test cricket, before falling for 106.

By the end of the day, South Africa were in a commanding position at 316 for 4. Pakistan’s chances of breaking the partnership seemed slim, with the pitch offering no real help and their bowlers unable to make inroads. Rickelton and Bavuma’s excellent batting had put South Africa in control, leaving Pakistan with plenty of work to do on day two.

Teams:

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas

South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka