SA in the lead against Pakistan after day 3 of Test match. Image: Espncricinfo.
Day 1: Rickelton and Bavuma Shine
(The Post News)– The first day of the Newlands Test saw South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma take centre stage. Winning the toss, Bavuma chose to bat on an overcast morning in Cape Town. Despite a close call for Aiden Markram in the first ball of the match, South Africa started strong. Markram and Rickelton put up a 61-run partnership before Markram was caught for 17 runs.
A mini-collapse followed, with Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs falling cheaply. However, Rickelton, in a new role as opener, stood firm. Joined by Bavuma, the duo rebuilt the innings with Rickelton reaching his second Test century and finishing the day unbeaten on 173. Bavuma added an impressive 106 before being dismissed late in the day. South Africa finished day one with a 316-4 record.
Day 2: South Africa Piles on the Runs
Day two continued with Rickelton leading the charge, eventually scoring a magnificent 259 runs. South Africa’s innings flourished with contributions from Kyle Verreynne (100) and Marco Jansen (62). Their total reached a mammoth 615 before being bowled out.
Pakistan’s batting started poorly. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen quickly reduced them to 20-3. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship, taking Pakistan to 64-3 at the close of play.
Day 3: South Africa Stay on Top
The third day began with Babar and Rizwan continuing their partnership. They added 98 runs before Babar was caught behind off Kwena Maphaka’s bowling for 58. Rizwan soon followed, dismissed by Wiaan Mulder for 46. Spinner Keshav Maharaj then caught Salman Agha off guard, stumping him for 19 just before lunch. Pakistan ended the morning session at 155-6, still trailing South Africa by 460 runs.
South Africa’s strong batting and effective bowling have put them in a commanding position as they aim to secure the series win. The Proteas’ dominance so far makes it a tough climb for Pakistan in the days to come.
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