- Markram, Rickelton put together 61-run partnership.
- Proteas opt to bat first after winning toss.
- South Africa lead two-match series 1-0.
CAPE TOWN: South Africa have made a comeback after suffering early blows from Pakistan bowlers following Ryan Rickelton’s ton and Temba Bavuma’s fifty as the home side scored 184/3 at tea break on the opening day of the second Test at the Newlands on Friday.
The home side dominated the second session’s proceedings as they added 112 runs without losing a single wicket as Rickelton and skipper Bavuma frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers.
At the tea break, Rickelton had scored an 106 not out from 149 deliveries, studded with 14 boundaries, while Bavuma was unbeaten on 51, laced with six boundaries.
Opting to bat first, the home side got off to a solid start to their innings as their new opening pair of in-form Aiden Markram and Rickelton put together a 61-run partnership.
The pair appeared in complete control until Markram was caught behind off Khurram Shahzad after scoring a cautious 17 off 40 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who returned to the side after recovering from a thumb injury, failed to prolong his stay at the crease as he was dismissed by Abbas after scoring a mere five.
Part-time spinner Agha gave Pakistan their third success when sent Tristan Stubbs packing for a six-ball duck an over later, which reduced the home side to 72/3.
Meanwhile, Rickelton, who brought up his second fifty-plus score in the format remained firm and will resume South Africa’s innings with skipper Temba Bavuma in the second session.
For Pakistan, Khurram, Abbas and Agha have taken a wicket apiece.
It is pertinent to mention that South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, courtesy of their hard-fought two-wicket victory in the series opener in Centurion.
Playing XI
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.
