ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan provided a solid start for the visitors on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa, with a steady partnership that kept the scoreboard ticking.
However, the momentum was disrupted when Babar Azam was dismissed by Kwena Maphaka, slowing down Pakistan’s progress as they looked to build on their good start.
Earlier, Makeshift opener Ryan Rickelton’s career-best 259 guided South Africa to a massive first-innings total of 615 on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands, leaving the visitors in trouble early in their reply.
Elevated to the opening role after Tony de Zorzi’s injury, Rickelton capitalized on his promotion, smashing a commanding double century in sweltering conditions.
His innings included a 148-run partnership with Kyle Verreynne, who also impressed with a brisk century, scoring 124 off 147 balls.
Verreynne was dismissed by Khurram Shahzad, while Mir Hamza ended Rickelton’s sublime innings a few overs later.
.@babarazam258 brings up his 28th Test fifty 🏏
Consecutive half-centuries for the right-handed batter 👏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/nWfgJk34jJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 5, 2025
South Africa’s lower-order batters Marco Jansen (62 off 54) and Keshav Maharaj (40 off 35) piled on the misery for Pakistan, with the hosts ultimately bowled out for 615. Kagiso Rabada remained unbeaten on six.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas and Salman Agha were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each. Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad chipped in with two dismissals apiece.
Pakistan’s Early Collapse
The visitors endured a dismal start to their innings. Captain Shan Masood fell to Kagiso Rabada in the very first over, and Kamran Ghulam followed in the sixth, leaving Pakistan at 18-2.
Rabada struck again in the ninth over, dismissing Saud Shakeel for a duck, deepening Pakistan’s woes.
The absence of in-form opener Saim Ayub, ruled out with a six-week ankle fracture sustained on the first morning, further complicates Pakistan’s batting prospects.
The injury leaves them effectively playing with nine wickets in each inning and casts doubt on Ayub’s availability for the ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Rickelton’s Commanding Innings
Rickelton resumed the day on 176 and continued to dominate Pakistan’s bowlers, showcasing superb shot selection and composure.
His innings included a pivotal 235-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma on the opening day. Rickelton’s form comes on the heels of his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka last month, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the Proteas lineup.
South Africa’s Dominance
South Africa, already secured for June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s, are eyeing a 2-0 series win after narrowly winning the first Test by two wickets in Pretoria.
With a pitch expected to deteriorate under the intense Cape Town sun, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to avoid another defeat.
