Ryan Rickelton Stars with 259 as South Africa Dominate Pakistan

Ryan Rickelton scored a brilliant 259 as South Africa took control on day two of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands. Batting first, South Africa posted an imposing total of 615, their second-highest Test score against Pakistan and their highest since the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka in 2020. Rickelton began the day on 176* and added 83 more runs before being dismissed by Mir Hamza just before tea.

This innings marked Ryan Rickelton’s first time opening in Test cricket and his 259 ranks him joint-seventh on the list for the highest Test scores by a South African, equaling Graeme Smith’s 259 against England in 2003. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma (106) and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (100) also scored centuries, marking their fourth Test tons. Lower down the order, Marco Jansen (62) and Keshav Maharaj (40) provided valuable contributions.

Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha each took three wickets while Hamza and Khuram Shahzad claimed two wickets apiece. In response, Pakistan’s batting faltered quickly, falling to 20-3 as Kagiso Rabada and Jansen struck early. Rabada dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel cheaply while Jansen removed Kamran Ghulam.

By the end of the day, Pakistan were 64-3 with Babar Azam unbeaten on 31. South Africa, leading the two-match Test series 1-0, are in a dominant position heading into day three. Despite some resistance from Babar Azam, Pakistan will need a strong performance to avoid defeat.