Rickelton, Bavuma's centuries put South Africa on top against Pakistan in second Test
Cricket
"It’s hot; we expect the wicket to break up, we want to finish (series) on a good note," Bavuma said
CAPTE TOWN (Dunya News) – South Africa posted 316 runs for the loss of 4 wickets against Pakistan on the opening day of the second Test in Cape Town.
The South African openers gave their team an aggressive start with a 61-run partnership, but Aiden Markram was dismissed for 17. Later, Wiaan Mulder fell for 5, and Tristan Stubbs departed without scoring.
Opener Ryan Rickelton and captain Temba Bavuma showcased exceptional batting, propelling the team’s total. Bavuma scored a brilliant 106 before getting out, while Rickelton remains unbeaten on 176.
For Pakistan, Salman Agha piced up two wickets while Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad claimed one wicket each.
South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to secure a series victory.
Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, stated that one change was made to the team: Naseem Shah was rested, and Mir Hamza was included in the playing XI.
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood said his side were happy to bowl first.
"A bit less grass than usual (on the wicket) but we would have had a bowl anyway," he said. "Both teams got what they wanted."
South Africa hand a debut to firebrand 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka as one of three changes to their side from the tense two-wicket win in the first Test in Pretoria.
He will be the youngest player in the country’s Test history, taking over from former spinner Paul Adams.
Opening batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out with a left thigh strain and is replaced by all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who will bat at number three with Ryan Rickelton moving to the opener position.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj has recovered from injury and replaces seamer Corbin Bosch.
South Africa have already sealed their place in June’s World Test Championship final and while they await their opponents at Lord’s, this is scheduled to be their final five-day fixture for them before the marquee game.
TEAMS
South Africa: 1-Aiden Markram, 2-Ryan Rickelton, 3-Wiaan Mulder, 4-Tristan Stubbs, 5-Temba Bavuma (capt.), 6-David Bedingham, 7-Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8-Marco Jansen, 9-Keshav Maharaj, 10-Kagiso Rabada, 11-Kwena Maphaka
Pakistan: 1-Shan Masood (capt.), 2-Saim Ayub, 3-Babar Azam, 4-Kamran Ghulam, 5-Saud Shakeel, 6-Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7-Salman Agha, 8-Aamer Jamal, 9-Khurram Shahzad, 10-Mohammad Abbas, 11-Mir Hamza.
