Rickelton and Verreynne power South Africa to commanding lead in Cape Town
- Kyle Verreynne scored his third Test century, leading South Africa’s charge.
- Ryan Rickelton top-scored with a well-paced knock and vital partnerships.
- South Africa’s bowlers dominated early, leaving Pakistan at 20-3.
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance, closing the day at 64-3.
South Africa’s Powerful Batting Performance
South Africa showcased an exceptional batting display on Day 2. Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton built a strong partnership post-lunch, adding a remarkable 148 runs. Verreynne shone with his third Test century, though his time at the crease ended soon after. He attempted a slog sweep off Salman Agha, only to find Aamer Jamal, bringing his innings to a close.
Ryan Rickelton carried the momentum, forming another crucial partnership with Marco Jansen. The pair added 86 runs for the seventh wicket. Rickelton aimed to clear long-on off Mir Hamza but was caught by Mohammad Abbas. By tea, South Africa had amassed 566-7, setting a strong foundation.
Final Flourish by South African Lower Order
In the final session, South Africa’s tailenders added quick runs. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj contributed a brisk 42-run stand off 32 balls. The hosts were eventually bowled out for an imposing 615 runs. This massive total put Pakistan under immense pressure as they began their response.
South Africa Strikes Early with the Ball
Kagiso Rabada made an immediate impact with the ball, dismissing Shan Masood in the first over. The Proteas continued their dominance, claiming two more wickets within the first 10 overs. Pakistan was left reeling at 20-3, with their top order struggling against South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Steady Pakistan
Facing a daunting deficit, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fought back for Pakistan. The pair played cautiously, ensuring no further damage before stumps. By the end of Day 2, Pakistan had reached 64-3, trailing South Africa by 551 runs. The road ahead looks challenging for the visitors as they attempt to avoid a follow-on.
Match Summary
| Session | Highlight | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Lunch | Verreynne’s century, 148-run partnership | 566-7 at Tea |
| Final Session | Jansen and Maharaj’s rapid 42-run stand | South Africa 615 all out |
| Pakistan’s Reply | Early wickets by Rabada, Azam and Rizwan resist | 64-3 at Stumps |
What’s Next?
Pakistan faces a tough task on Day 3, requiring resilience from their middle order. Babar Azam’s leadership and partnerships will be key to reducing the deficit and avoiding the follow-on.