South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored his first Test century against Pakistan with a captain’s knock at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. His innings, filled with grit and resilience, helped the Proteas recover from an early collapse and dominate the opening day of the second Test.
Bavuma’s century came after Ryan Rickelton’s pioneering hundred, with the pair forging a vital partnership to steady South Africa’s innings.
The century Bavuma has been waiting for for a long time
Bavuma’s journey to his first Test century against Pakistan was marked by perseverance and determination. He hit 9 boundaries and 2 sixes in 167 balls to reach the milestone.
This was Bavuma’s fourth Test century and, considering the context of the game, an important century. His knock also took him past 500 for his career against Pakistan in Test cricket.
The South African skipper showed great composure after his team found themselves in trouble at 72/3. Along with Rickelton, Bavuma navigated Pakistan’s powerful pace attack to ensure that South Africa remained in the driver’s seat.
Rickelton leads the counterattack
Earlier in the day, Ryan Rickelton set the tone for South Africa with a brilliant hundred of his own. With the top order faltering, Rickelton took charge and anchored the innings with authority.
The left-hander produced his second Test century in style, smashing boundaries around the park. His partnership with Bavuma turned the tide for the hosts. They shared a 200-year position to save South Africa from a precarious position.
Rickelton was eventually reduced to 123, but his knock laid a solid foundation for South Africa to build on.
Middle class hero rescues premature collapse
South Africa’s innings began as promised, but quickly unraveled after a solid start. The opening duo scored 61 runs and Pakistan struck three times in a row.
Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs were sent off after 11 runs, leaving the hosts with odds of 72/3. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, looked poised to trigger a dramatic collapse.
But Rickelton and Bavuma had other plans. The pair dug in, absorbed the pressure and gradually shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour.
At the end of Day 1, South Africa were leading at 316/4 after 80 overs. Bavuma, who was unbeaten on 100 at one stage, was eventually dismissed for 106 by Salman Ali Agha.
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