Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma’s 235-run partnership saw South Africa post 316-4 after Day 1 of the 2nd Test at Newlands.
It was a sunny morning at Newlands on the first day of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan. The early gloomy cloud cover clearing up would not have altered South Africa’s decision at the toss, given that they selected a spinner who would most likely come into play later in the Test.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in front of a packed Newlands crowd.
A few changes were made to the team with the young Kwena Maphaka replacing Dane Patterson, Wiaan Mulder replacing the injured Tony de Zorzi as well as Keshav Maharaj coming in for Corbin Bosch.
Although they won the first Test and booked their spot in the World Test Championship final, Temba Bavuma was still adamant in his pre-match press conference that they would be aiming for a clean sweep.
Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton had a good start with the bat and it was looking like South Africa would be putting some serious runs on the board. After an hour of play, the pair brought up their 50-run partnership.
Pakistan broke the partnership of Rickelton and Markram with Shazad nicking Markram off. It was a much-needed wicket for the visitors. A few minutes before lunch, Pakistan took another wicket when Wiaan Mulder was dismissed by Abbas. An over later, Salman dismissed Tristan Stubbs for a duck to give Pakistan a massive boost.
This was a momentum boost for the visitors heading into the break.
After 34 overs South Africa were 122-3 with Bavuma and Rickelton bringing up the 50-run partnership and this partnership really shifted the momentum from Pakistan towards South Africa.
Rickelton got an exceptional 100 after fighting to put runs on the board when South Africa was under some serious pressure from Pakistan. Rickelton’s milestone also brought up the 100 partnership between him and Bavuma.
Bavuma followed suit and reached his 50 to take SA to 181-3 and the momentum was back with South Africa.
They were expected to score big with these two players at the crease.
Their partnership continued to grow, past 150 to 235 when Pakistan finally dismissed the Proteas skipper for 106. This was the highest 4th-wicket partnership at Newlands and took SA to 307-4.
A simply excellent batting performance from South Africa.
The Proteas ended the day on 316-4.
