South Africa are in a position of authority on day one after brilliant centuries by Ryan Rickelton and skipper Temba Bavuma, who shared a mammoth 235-run fourth-wicket partnership. It was a second-career Test century for Rickelton, who played with supreme freedom and fluency in front of a soldout Newlands Cricket Ground, finishing the day on a career-best undefeated 176 off 232 deliveries, stroking 21 glorious fours and one six. For Bavuma it was an emotional second century at Newlands and fourth overall, caressing nine fours and smashing two sixes off spinner Salman Ali Agha to finish on 106.
South Africa, though, were in a spot of bother before the two century makers came together at 72 for three on the stroke of lunch. Aiden Markram (17 off 40), Wiaan Mulder (five off 18) and Tristan Stubbs (zero off six) all fell in the space of eight overs after Rickelton and Markram saw out the first hour while moving the team total to 61. The home side moved from 61 for no loss to 72 for three in the space of eight overs before the lunch break.
Salman Ali Agha (left) of Pakistan celebrates with a teammate after dismissing Tristan Stubbs of South Africa during Day 1 of the 2nd Test between South Africa and Pakistan at World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground on 3 January 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images) Bavuma and Rickelton pieced together a magnificent partnership on a pitch that got more placid as the opening day wore on. It was Rickelton’s.
