South Africa captain Temba Bavuma delivered a captain’s knock at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, scoring his maiden Test century against Pakistan. His innings, filled with grit and resilience, helped the Proteas recover from an early collapse and take control on the opening day of the second Test.
Bavuma’s century came after Ryan Rickelton’s trailblazing hundred, as the pair forged a crucial partnership to steady South Africa’s innings.
Bavuma’s Long-Awaited Century
Bavuma’s journey to his first Test century against Pakistan was marked by patience and determination. He reached the milestone off 167 balls, striking nine boundaries and two sixes along the way.
This was Bavuma’s fourth Test century overall and a significant one, considering the context of the game. His knock also took him past 500 career runs against Pakistan in Test cricket.
The South African skipper displayed immense composure after coming to the crease with his team in trouble at 72/3. Alongside Rickelton, Bavuma navigated through Pakistan’s potent pace attack to ensure South Africa remained in the driver’s seat.
Rickelton Leads the Fightback
Earlier in the day, Ryan Rickelton set the tone for South Africa with a brilliant hundred of his own. After the top order faltered, Rickelton took charge, anchoring the innings with authority.
The left-hander brought up his second Test century in style, smashing boundaries all around the park. His partnership with Bavuma turned the tide for the hosts, as they shared a double-century stand to rescue South Africa from a precarious position.
Rickelton eventually fell for 123, but his knock laid a solid foundation for South Africa to build on.
Early Collapse Rescued by Middle-Order Heroics
South Africa’s innings began with promise but quickly unravelled after a solid start. The opening duo put on 61 runs before Pakistan struck thrice in quick succession.
Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, and Tristan Stubbs were dismissed in a span of 11 runs, leaving the hosts teetering at 72/3. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, looked poised to trigger a dramatic collapse.
However, Rickelton and Bavuma had other plans. The pair dug in, absorbing the pressure and gradually shifting the momentum in South Africa’s favor.
At the end of Day 1, South Africa stood at a commanding 316/4 after 80 overs. Bavuma, who was unbeaten on 100 at one stage, was eventually dismissed by Salman Ali Agha for 106.
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