- Markram and Rickelton established a 61-run partnership.
- The Proteas choose to bat first after winning the toss.
- South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0.
Cape Town: Ryan Rickleton and skipper Temba Bavuma dragged South Africa out of trouble by smashing centuries to lead the home team to 316/4 at the conclusion of the first day of the second Test at Newlands on Friday.
South Africa enjoyed another productive session as the hosts bowled out 132 for the loss of just one wicket, thanks to a 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Rickelton and Bavuma.
The marathon stand finally culminated in the 77th over when Salman Ali Agha caught Bavuma at the back. The right-handed batsman scored 106 off 179 deliveries with the help of nine fours and six sixes.
Following his dismissal, David Bedingham joined Rickleton and together they could put up nine runs to South Africa’s total before stumps were drawn.
At the end of the day, Rickleton was unbeaten on 176 off 232 deliveries, laced with 21 fours and a six, while Bedingham was four not out.
For Pakistan, Agha scored twice, while Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas scored two goals each.
The home team also dominated the second session, adding 112 runs without losing a single wicket, as Rickelton and skipper Bavuma frustrated the Pakistani bowlers.
At the tea break, Rickleton scored 106 off 149 deliveries, studded with 14 boundaries, while Bavuma was unbeaten on 51, studded with six boundaries.
Opting to bat first, the home team got off to a blistering start to their innings as the new opening pair of the in-form Aiden Markram and Rickelton put together a 61-run partnership.
The pair appeared in complete control until Markram was caught behind Khurram Shehzad after scoring 17 runs off 40 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.
All-rounder Wayan Mulder, who returned to the team after recovering from a thumb injury, failed to extend his time in the crease as Abbas sent him off after scoring just five goals.
Part-time spinner Agha gave Pakistan their third success when he sent Tristan Stubbs packing for a duck six balls later, reducing the home team to 72/3.
Meanwhile, Rickelton, who made his second fifty-plus score in the format, remained steady and will resume South Africa’s innings with skipper Temba Bavuma in the second session.
For Pakistan, Khurram, Abbas and Agha all scored wickets.
It is worth noting that South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0, thanks to a narrow double win in the series opener in Centurion.
Playing eleven
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickleton, Jan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Themba Bavuma (captain), David Beddingham, Kyle Vereen (wk), Marco Janssen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Mafaka.
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan (week), Salman Agha, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shehzad, Muhammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.