Second Test: South Africa 316/4 at stumps as Rickelton dominates day 1

• Markram, Rickelton put together 61-run partnership.
• Proteas opt to bat first after winning toss.
• South Africa lead two-match series 1-0.

CAPE TOWN: Ryan Rickelton and skipper Temba Bavuma have brought South Africa out of trouble by smashing centuries to lead the home side to 316/4 at the conclusion of day 1 of the second Test at the Newlands on Friday.

South Africa enjoyed another fruitful session as the hosts 132 runs for the loss of just one wicket, thanks to the 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Rickelton and Bavuma.

The marathon stand finally culminated in the 77th when Salman Ali Agha got Bavuma caught behind. The right-handed batter scored 106 off 179 deliveries with the help of nine fours and two sixes.

Following his dismissal, Rickelton was joined by David Bedingham and together they could raise nine runs to South Africa’s total before stumps were drawn.

At the closure of the day, Rickelton was unbeaten on 176 off 232 deliveries, laced with 21 fours and a six, while Bedingham had made four not out.

For Pakistan, Agha bagged two wickets, while Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas, chipped in with one apiece.

The home side also dominated the second session, adding 112 runs without losing a single wicket as Rickelton and skipper Bavuma frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers.

At the Tea break, Rickelton had scored an 106 not out from 149 deliveries, studded with 14 boundaries, while Bavuma was unbeaten on 51, laced with six boundaries.

Opting to bat first, the home side got off to a solid start to their innings as their new opening pair of in-form Aiden Markram and Rickelton put together a 61-run partnership.

The pair appeared in complete control until Markram was caught behind off Khurram Shahzad after scoring a cautious 17 off 40 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.

All-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who returned to the side after recovering from a thumb injury, failed to prolong his stay at the crease as he was dismissed by Abbas after scoring a mere five.

Part-time spinner Agha gave Pakistan their third success when sent Tristan Stubbs packing for a six-ball duck an over later, which reduced the home side to 72/3.

Meanwhile, Rickelton, who brought up his second fifty-plus score in the format remained firm and will resume South Africa’s innings with skipper Temba Bavuma in the second session.

For Pakistan, Khurram, Abbas and Agha have taken a wicket apiece.

It is pertinent to mention that South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, courtesy of their hard-fought two-wicket victory in the series opener in Centurion.

Playing XI

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

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.