Twitter reactions: South Africa gains the upper hand as Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma excel against Pakistan on Day 1 of 2nd Test

Jan 4, 2025

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SA vs PAK

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.

Also READ: South Africa’s AB de Villiers reveals his Test XI of 2024 ft. Jasprit Bumrah

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:

Also READ: SA vs PAK: Cape Town Weather Forecast for the Second Test | South Africa vs Pakistan 2024-25

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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