A solid century partnership between Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma helped South Africa regain control in the second session of Day One in the second and final Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Friday, following a dramatic batting collapse earlier in the day.
After a three-wicket slump in the last hour of the first session, it seemed the pep talk from coach Shukri Conrad during the lunch break had the desired effect. The batters returned to the field looking more compact in their technique and determined to make the most of the decision to bat first.
Rickelton, who had already been in fine form, was joined by Bavuma after the break. Rather than letting the Pakistan bowlers dictate terms, Bavuma counterattacked with elegant drives down the ground and crisp flicks to the mid-wicket boundary.
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Rickelton, sticking to the traditional method of playing in the V, kept up the momentum as the two batters quickly put on 50 runs in just 11 overs. Their partnership lifted the run rate from just over three runs per over in the first session to nearly four by the time they reached tea.
Rickelton, continuing his fine display, reached his second career Test century, much to the delight of the packed Newlands crowd.
