Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma struck commanding centuries, leading South Africa to a dominant position on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Friday.
South Africa ended the day at 316 for four, with Rickelton unbeaten on 176 and Bavuma dismissed for 106 shortly before stumps. The pair shared a 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket after South Africa had slipped to 72 for three earlier in the day.
Rickelton and Bavuma came together at a crucial stage, rescuing South Africa from squandering the advantage of winning the toss on a favourable batting surface. They established a fifty partnership off just 66 balls and maintained a scoring rate above four runs per over throughout their stand.
It was Rickelton's second Test century in only his third match, marking a turnaround after struggling in his early Test career, where he failed to pass fifty in his first 12 innings. The left-hander played confidently, striking 21 fours and a six off 232 balls.
Bavuma registered his fourth Test hundred, adding to a career featuring 24 half-centuries. His innings lasted 179 balls and included nine fours and two sixes before he edged a delivery from occasional off-spinner Salman Agha to the wicketkeeper 15 minutes before the close.
Pakistan produced a lacklustre bowling performance despite taking three wickets before lunch. They bowled only 80 overs in six-and-a-half hours and rarely posed a serious threat to the South African batsmen.
Pakistan’s day worsened when opening batsman Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury after falling awkwardly in the outfield during the seventh over. He was stretchered off and did not return to the field.
Pakistan gained brief hope when Khurram Shahzad dismissed Aiden Markram for 17, following a 61-run opening partnership with Rickelton. Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs fell cheaply before lunch, caught behind off Mohammad Abbas and Agha, respectively. However, South Africa dominated the rest of the day.
