South Africa Post 316/4 in First Innings at Newlands

South Africa ended Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan in a commanding position, posting 316/4 at Newlands. Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma both scored scintillating centuries, with the pair putting on an outstanding 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The day belonged to the Proteas, as they demonstrated resilience and power at the crease.

South Africa Wins Toss, Chooses to Bat First

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first on what appeared to be an ideal batting pitch. The hosts’ openers gave them a solid start, accumulating 61 runs before the first wicket fell. Pakistan suffered an early setback when Saim Ayub twisted his ankle while fielding and had to be taken off the field for medical attention. This left the Pakistan fielding unit without one of its key players.

Solid Opening Stand for South Africa

After Ayub’s injury, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton added 61 runs for the first wicket. However, Markram was dismissed for 17, caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off Khurram Shahzad’s bowling.

Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs Depart Quickly

Wiaan Mulder , returning from injury and promoted to number three, contributed just five runs before being caught by Rizwan off Mohammad Abbas.

Just before lunch, Rizwan claimed his third victim, dismissing Tristan Stubbs for a duck. Stubbs edged a delivery from spinner Salman Agha to Rizwan, leaving South Africa in a slight predicament at 72/3.

Rickelton and Bavuma Build a Strong Partnership

As the pitch settled into a more favorable batting surface, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma took charge, adding 112 runs in the afternoon session without losing a wicket. Rickelton, in particular, looked in excellent form, playing fluently and aggressively.

Centuries for Rickelton and Bavuma

In the final session of the day, both Rickelton and Bavuma reached their centuries. Rickelton brought up his maiden Test century with a boundary off Khurram Shahzad, while Bavuma followed soon after, reaching his own ton with a single off Jamal. This marked the first instance of two players scoring centuries on Day 1 of a Test at Newlands since Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq achieved the same feat in 2013.

Pakistan Claims Bavuma’s Wicket Late in the Day

Pakistan’s bowlers finally broke through when Bavuma was dismissed late in the day. He was caught behind off a delivery from Salman Agha, departing for a well-made 103.

Rickelton Unbeaten on 176 as South Africa Reach 316/4

Despite the loss of Bavuma, Rickelton continued his resilient batting alongside David Bedingham. The pair added 132 runs in the final 30 overs of the day, with Rickelton remaining unbeaten on 176. The South African innings closed at 316/4 after 80 overs, with Rickelton’s knock including 21 fours and a six.

Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles

It was a tough day for Pakistan’s bowlers. Aamer Jamal bore the brunt of the attack, conceding 85 runs in 15 overs without claiming a wicket. Salman Ali Agha was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, claiming two wickets. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas each took one wicket.

South Africa’s Historic Debutant: Kwena Maphaka

In a historic moment, South Africa handed a debut to 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka. Maphaka made history as the youngest player to represent South Africa in Tests, overtaking the record previously held by former spinner Paul Adams.

South Africa Eyes Series Win After First Test Victory

With a place already secured in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, South Africa is looking to wrap up the series with a 2-0 victory after their narrow two-wicket win in the first Test in Pretoria.

Teams

Pakistan’s Playing XI:

South Africa’s Playing XI:

Day 1 Statistics Summary:

The Proteas will be looking to press their advantage on Day 2, with Rickelton and Bedingham in solid form. Pakistan faces a challenging task to fight back and level the series.