Second Test, Stumps, Day 1
South Africa: 316/4 (Rickelton 176*, Bavuma 106, Agha 2/55)
After last year’s two-day debacle that left the Newlands New Year faithful feeling short-changed, the patrons were repaid with a delightful run-fest on a sun-kissed opening day of the second final Test here on Friday.
It was a day made for batting that started under cloudy skies but finished with Table Mountain shining in all its glory.
At the centre of the entertainment was Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma, who broke records and Pakistan hearts in equal measure.
Welcome to Day 2 at Newlands. It’s gonna be a scorcher! 🔥![CDATA[]]>🔥![CDATA[]]>🔥@IOL @IOLsport @SABC_Sport @KassNaidoo @LanceTheWitten pic.twitter.com/stqAb0PdEI
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) January 4, 2025
Rickelton produced a gleaming 176 not out, while Bavuma rekindled memories of that glorious maiden century here at Newlands all of nine years ago with a sparkling 106.
Together they shared a marvellous partnership of 235, the highest of all for the Proteas’ fourth wicket against Pakistan.
“We bat really well together,” Rickelton told the reporters. “We don't talk a lot in all honesty, but we just emphasise doing the basics for long periods of time.
“He's been playing incredibly well for a nice period of time as well, so we just emphasise doing the right things for a long time.
“When his calf started to cramp he told me I needed to pull the old man through, so I kept trying to remind him, telling him to keep doing the basics, looking straight and looking after the ball as best as he can, so to share the partnership out there, captain of South Africa and captain of the Lions as well is special for me, and I'd like to thank him as well. It was really cool.”
Rickelton’s innings was a far cry from the workmanlike maiden century he scored last month off 231 balls against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park.
This was more the Ricklelton that everyone has come to know over the last few seasons with the left-hander driving elegantly through the covers and also not afraid to take on the short ball with a couple of savage pulls through the leg-side.
Rickelton’s first 50 came from only 73 balls, followed by a century off 121 balls before needing only a further 69 deliveries to get to the magical 150.
“Last time it was a relief, I think this one was a bit more enjoyment,” Rickelton said. “I had fun out there today, because I played the game I wanted to play the game, I was super chuffed, my mum and her sister, my aunt were down here, they came down yesterday, she's a nervous watcher, so for her to be as well was quite special.
“I kind of played the game I wanted to play, so maybe it hasn't sunk in. I'm bloody chuffed to be honest - New Year's Test in Cape Town is something that you dream of, so I'm really chuffed with that. It might sink in a little bit more later, but I'm just over the moon.”
Bavuma, meanwhile, emphasised why he is the Proteas’ premier red-ball batter with his fourth Test century of his career - an innings that punctuated with stunning drives straight down the ground and wristy flicks through mid-wicket. The outburst of emotion upon reaching the century from Bavuma also told its own story.
“Clearly this one meant a lot to him as well, being from this part of the world as well, to get a 100 on New Year's Test on Day 1 is something all of us dream of, so clearly very special to him,” Rickelton said.
“I'm pretty sure his family and friends were all here as well. He played incredibly well, it was an absolute joy to bat with. I'm very chuffed for him.”
Pakistan will be hoping for a much better Saturday after their misery was compounded after opening batter Saim Ayub was ruled out of the remainder of the Test after twisting his right ankle while fielding.