South Africa produced a commanding batting performance on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands, finishing with an imposing 316/4. The innings was defined by exceptional centuries from Ryan Rickelton and skipper Temba Bavuma, who turned the tide after a shaky start. Their monumental 235-run fourth-wicket partnership anchored the team, showcasing grit, skill, and a clear intent to dictate terms against a largely ineffective Pakistan bowling attack.
Ryan Rickelton’s career-best knock: A masterclass in patience and precision
Rickelton’s unbeaten 176 was the cornerstone of South Africa’s innings, as the left-hander showcased a blend of technical mastery and calculated aggression. Elevated to the opening position in the absence of Tony de Zorzi, Rickelton seized the opportunity with remarkable composure. His innings, spanning 232 deliveries, was adorned with 21 exquisite boundaries and a towering six, highlighting his ability to find gaps with precision and punish loose deliveries effectively.
Rickelton began cautiously, assessing the conditions and nullifying the initial movement from Pakistan’s seamers. As the day progressed, he shifted gears, capitalizing on the flat, dry pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers. His century, brought up with a trademark whip to the fine-leg boundary, epitomized his growing confidence and control at the crease. This was only Rickelton’s second Test century, but it signaled his arrival as a dependable force in South Africa’s top order.
Temba Bavuma’s captain’s inning: Leading from the front
Bavuma’s 106 was a testament to his resilience and leadership under pressure. Walking in 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, spanning 179 deliveries, was an elegant mix of defensive solidity and controlled aggression, punctuated by nine boundaries and two effortless sixes.
Bavuma’s approach was methodical, as he worked the ball into gaps and rotated the strike efficiently to complement Rickelton’s attacking flair. His ability to absorb pressure and shift momentum became evident during the post-lunch session, where the duo added 112 runs. Bavuma reached his century with a single to midwicket, an emotional milestone considering the scrutiny surrounding his form. Although his innings ended 15 minutes before stumps, his contribution had already laid the foundation for a commanding South African total.
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Early setbacks expose South Africa’s fragility
The day did not begin smoothly for South Africa, as their top order faltered in the face of disciplined bowling by Pakistan. Aiden Markram, often the team’s lynchpin, looked uncertain during his brief stay and fell for 17 after edging Khurram Shahzad to the wicketkeeper. Wiaan Mulder (5) and Tristan Stubbs (0) followed soon after, succumbing to Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha, respectively, in quick succession. At 72/3, South Africa found themselves in a precarious position, teetering on the edge of wasting the advantage of batting first on a surface tailor-made for run-scoring. However, Rickelton and Bavuma’s partnership injected stability into the innings, as they blunted the Pakistan attack and began to rebuild methodically.
Pakistan’s bowling: A tale of missed opportunities
Pakistan’s bowlers started the day brightly, with Shahzad and Abbas exploiting the early movement to create chances. However, their inability to sustain pressure after the initial breakthroughs proved costly. The attack, featuring four frontline seamers and occasional spin, lacked consistency and failed to adapt as the pitch flattened out. The dismissal of Bavuma late in the day provided some relief, but the bowling unit largely struggled to pose any significant threat. Compounding their woes was the loss of Saim Ayub, one of their key fielders, who twisted his ankle while chasing a ball in the outfield. His absence further dented Pakistan’s already diminishing energy levels, leaving the team with limited resources in the field.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
First test century of 2025:
RYAN RICKELTON.
What a beautiful hundred!
— Dale (@ncakos316) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton has a very very good first class record, and a very good conversion rate as well. It’s honestly lovely seeing him perform in international cricket.
— 🇿🇦🇿🇦 Sabeeha Majid 🏏/DA Miller stan account❤️ (@SabeehaMajid) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton’s FC batting average is 48, and he plays as a WK. Now he’s a test 💯. How does SA keep producing all these phenomenal cricketers? Their talent pool is endless.
— Pushkar Singh (@pushkar_g_singh) January 3, 2025
That's our one and 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 brings up another Test century, backing up the one he made against Sri Lanka last month!
Grabbing 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 has an amazing conversion rate in First Class Cricket as well.
17 50s to go alongside his now 18 100s.
— Rivaan Athwal (@rivaanathwal31) January 3, 2025
Ryan Rickelton scored a 💯 vs Pakistan in Newlands
1st T20I hundred of 2025- Kusal Perera
1st Test hundred of 2025- Ryan RickeltonMI boys shining everywhere in 2025 😉 pic.twitter.com/TEMyTko4XP
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) January 3, 2025
Wish more people actually said this out loud. Temba Bavuma's Test average since 2021 touches 50.
It's the fifth best in the world in this time frame with as many runs. No other SA has a 35+ average in this time frame. Incredible run. Man deserves more hype and acceptance. https://t.co/5lN66Cicjd pic.twitter.com/via6TqVRYJ
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) January 3, 2025
Temba Bavuma is in the top 10 test batsman rankings and South African test captain.
It seems insignificant but a black kid in the township now believes it’s possible , despite everything all the talk he’s kept resolute 🫡👏🏽
Grow the game 📈
— Clifford Sihlezana (@CliffUnderPar) January 3, 2025
Got to witness a Temba Bavuma century live. What a moment man.
— Uncle Gerald (@Gee_SK) January 3, 2025
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