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South Africa produced a commanding batting performance on day 1 of the second test against Pakistan in Newlands, finishing with an impressive 316/4. The entrances were defined by exceptional centuries from ryan rickelton and pattern Temba Bavumathat turned the tide after a shaky start. Their monumental 235-run fourth-wicket partnership anchored the team, displaying courage, skill and a clear intent to dictate terms against a largely ineffective Pakistan bowling attack.
Ryan Rickelton’s best shot of his career: a masterclass in patience and precision
Rickelton’s unbeaten 176 was the cornerstone of South Africa’s innings as the left-hander displayed a combination of technical mastery and calculated aggression. Raised to opening position in the absence of Tony de ZorziRickelton seized the opportunity with remarkable composure. His innings, which spanned 232 deliveries, were adorned with 21 exquisite boundaries and six towering ones, highlighting his ability to find spaces with precision and punish loose deliveries effectively.
Rickelton started cautiously, assessing the conditions and negating the initial movement of Pakistan’s seamers. As the day progressed, he changed gears, taking advantage of the flat, dry field that offered little help to the players. His century, brought up with a trademark whip at the fine-leg boundary, epitomized his growing confidence and control at the crease. This was only Rickelton’s second Test century, but it marked his arrival as a reliable force in South Africa’s top order.
Temba Bavuma captain’s input: Leading from the front
Bavuma’s 106 was a testament to his resilience and leadership under pressure. At a precarious 72/3, Bavuma had the dual responsibility of stabilizing the innings and ensuring his team capitalized on the favorable batting conditions. His innings, which spanned 179 deliveries, was an elegant blend of defensive solidity and controlled aggression, marked by nine boundaries and two effortless sixes.
Bavuma’s approach was methodical as he worked the ball into space and rotated the shot efficiently to complement Rickelton’s attacking style. Their ability to absorb pressure and change momentum was evident during the post-lunch session, where the duo added 112 runs. Bavuma reached his century with a single at middle, an emotional milestone considering the scrutiny surrounding his form. Although his innings ended 15 minutes short of stumps, his contribution had already laid the foundation for a commanding total in South Africa.
Also READ: South Africa’s AB de Villiers reveals his 2024 Test XI with Jasprit Bumrah
Early setbacks expose South Africa’s fragility
The day did not begin without problems for South Africa as their top order faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Aiden Markramoften the lynchpin of the team, looked unsure during his brief stay and fell by 17 after overcoming Khurram Shahzad to the goalkeeper. Wian Mulder (5) and Tristan Stubbs (0) followed shortly after, succumbing to Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agharespectively, in quick succession. At 72/3, South Africa found itself in a precarious position, on the verge of squandering the advantage of batting first on a surface tailor-made for scoring runs. However, the partnership of Rickelton and Bavuma injected stability into the innings as they blunted the Pakistan attack and began to methodically rebuild.
Pakistan bowling: a story of missed opportunities
Pakistan’s players started the day brightly, with Shahzad and Abbas taking advantage of the early movement to create chances. However, their inability to maintain pressure after initial gains proved costly. The attack, with four front-line finishes and occasional turns, lacked consistency and failed to adapt when the field flattened. The dismissal of Bavuma late in the day provided some relief, but the bowling unit struggled to pose a significant threat. Compounding their problems was the loss of Saim Ayubone of their key outfielders, who sprained his ankle while chasing a ball in the outfield. His absence further affected Pakistan’s already declining energy levels, leaving the team with limited resources on the field.
This is how Twitter reacted:
First test of the century 2025:
RYAN RICKELTON.
What a hundred beautiful ones!
—Dale (@ncakos316) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton has a very good first-class record and also a very good conversion rate. Honestly, it’s lovely to see him perform in international cricket.
— 🇿🇦🇿🇦 Sabeeha Majid 🏏/DA Miller stan account❤️ (@SabeehaMajid) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton’s batting average in FC is 48 and he plays as WK. Now it’s a test 💯. How does SA continue to produce all these phenomenal cricketers? His talent pool is endless.
– Pushkar Singh (@pushkar_g_singh) January 3, 2025
That’s our only @ProteasMenCSA Captain @TembaBavuma and Ryan Rickelton making Test Cricket MAGIC!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥What a day it was!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾#TembaBavuma#Proteas pic.twitter.com/RMmZN70o2M
-robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) January 3, 2025
RYAN RICKELTON 🔥🔥🔥
He posts another Test century, backing up the one he made against Sri Lanka last month!
Taking his opportunity to open with both hands.
He has a great conversion rate in first-class cricket, now he is doing the same at Test level (100s:2 50s:0) pic.twitter.com/KUG4x2Q2yk
– Werner (@Werries_) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton also has an amazing conversion rate in First Class Cricket.
17 50 to accompany your now 18 100.
—Rivaan Athwal (@rivaanathwal31) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton scored a 💯 against Pakistan at Newlands
1st T20I century of 2025- Kusal Perera
First test hundred of 2025- Ryan RickeltonMI boys shining everywhere in 2025 😉 pic.twitter.com/TEMyTko4XP
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) January 3, 2025
I wish more people would say this out loud. Temba Bavuma’s Test average since 2021 reaches 50.
He is the fifth best in the world in this period with the same number of races. No other SA averages 35+ in this time period. Incredible race. The man deserves more publicity and acceptance. https://t.co/5lN66Cicjd pic.twitter.com/via6TqVRYJ
—Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) January 3, 2025
Temba Bavuma is among the top 10 Test batsmen and is the Test captain of South Africa.
It seems insignificant, but a black boy from the municipality now believes it is possible, despite everything, he remains firm 🫡👏🏽
Grow the game 📈
—Clifford Sihlezana (@CliffUnderPar) January 3, 2025
I was able to witness a century of Temba Bavuma live. What a moment man.
— Uncle Gerald (@Gee_SK) January 3, 2025
