Rickelton scores second career Test century as Proteas take control at Newlands

Makeshift opener Ryan Rickelton smashed a career-best unbeaten 213, steering South Africa to a commanding 429-5 at lunch on day two of the second and final Test against Pakistan at a scorching Newlands on Saturday. The 28-year-old left-hander stepped into the opener’s role after Tony de Zorzi was sidelined by injury and will return after…


Rickelton scores second career Test century as Proteas take control at Newlands

Makeshift opener Ryan Rickelton smashed a career-best unbeaten 213, steering South Africa to a commanding 429-5 at lunch on day two of the second and final Test against Pakistan at a scorching Newlands on Saturday.

The 28-year-old left-hander stepped into the opener’s role after Tony de Zorzi was sidelined by injury and will return after the break alongside Kyle Verreynne, who has stormed to 74 off just 88 balls in a rapid sixth-wicket stand worth 106 runs in 23.2 overs.

Rickelton, who hit his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka last month, started the day on 176 and carried his form into the morning, expertly handling Pakistan’s second new ball. Verreynne, meanwhile, took on the bulk of the scoring in their partnership.

Earlier, Pakistan struck when Mohammad Abbas dismissed Rickelton’s overnight partner, David Bedingham, for five. Bedingham fell to a loose shot outside off-stump, handing wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan his fifth catch of the innings.


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Rickelton’s dominance has been the cornerstone of South Africa’s innings, including a crucial 235-run stand with captain Temba Bavuma on day one. The Newlands pitch has been friendly to batters so far but is expected to deteriorate under the relentless heat, a challenge Pakistan will likely face later in the match.

To make matters worse for Pakistan, opener Saim Ayub was ruled out with an ankle fracture sustained while fielding on the first morning. Ayub, in excellent form prior to this setback, is expected to miss six weeks, putting his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in doubt.

South Africa, already assured of a spot in June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s, aim to seal the series 2-0 after a nail-biting two-wicket win in the first Test in Pretoria.