In a commanding display of batting prowess, South Africa amassed a formidable total of 615 runs in their first innings against Pakistan during the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town. This dominant performance was spearheaded by opener Ryan Rickelton, who achieved a career-best 259, and wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne, who notched his fourth Test century.
Rickelton’s innings was a masterclass in concentration and skill. Elevated to the opening position due to an injury to Tony de Zorzi, he seized the opportunity with both hands. His 259 runs came off 343 deliveries, featuring 29 boundaries and three sixes, marking the joint seventh-highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket. His marathon innings lasted over ten hours, providing the backbone for South Africa’s imposing total.
Verreynne complemented Rickelton’s effort with an aggressive century, scoring 100 runs off 147 balls. His innings included five sixes, showcasing his intent to dominate the Pakistani bowling attack. Together, Rickelton and Verreynne forged a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 148 runs, further consolidating South Africa’s position.
The South African innings was characterized by significant partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. Rickelton first combined with captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 106, in a 235-run stand, setting a solid foundation. Following Bavuma’s departure, Verreynne joined Rickelton to continue the onslaught. Lower down the order, Marco Jansen contributed a brisk 62 off 54 balls, and Keshav Maharaj added 40 from 35 deliveries, ensuring the momentum remained firmly with the hosts.
Pakistan’s bowlers toiled hard but found little success on a batting-friendly pitch. Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 94 runs. Spinner Salman Agha also chipped in with 3 wickets for 148 runs. Despite their efforts, the Pakistani attack struggled to contain the free-flowing South African batsmen.
In response, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start. By the end of the second day’s play, they were reeling at 64 for 3, effectively four down with opener Saim Ayub out injured. Kagiso Rabada was instrumental in making early inroads, securing two wickets for just nine runs. Marco Jansen also contributed by dismissing Kamran Ghulam. Captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 31, and alongside Mohammad Rizwan, who is on 9, faces the daunting task of steering Pakistan out of trouble.