Temporary opener Ryan Rickleton’s 259 helped South Africa to 615 on the second day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday in a sweltering heat.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was decimated by the onslaught of the South African batsmen and Kyle Vereen also scored a century off just 147 balls.
Rickelton, who stepped into the opening role following Tony De Zorzi’s injury, scored a brilliant 259 and put on a partnership of 148 before being dismissed with Vereen.
The makeshift opener was also dismissed after a few overs as Mir Hamza’s pace brought an end to a brilliant innings.
With the powerhouse duo out, Pakistan’s pace bowlers were fooled all over the park by Marco Johnson and Keshav Maharaj with scores of 54 to 62 and 40 off just 35 balls respectively.
Pacer and tail-ender Kagiso Rabada remained unbeaten on six runs as the home side wrapped up the innings on 615-10.
On behalf of Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas and Salman Agha took three each while Mir Hamza and Khurram Shehzad dismissed two South African batsmen each.
Earlier, Rickleton, who scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka last month, resumed the morning session on 176 and continued where he left off looking at Pakistan’s second new ball, although Vereine did most of the work. Did you score?
The tourists removed Rackelton’s overnight partner David Bedingham for five as the latter became wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s fifth victim of the innings, this time a poor shot outside the off-stump off Mohammad Abbas (2-70).
Rickleton put on 235 for the fourth wicket with skipper Temba Boma on the opening day and looks unbeaten on a pitch that is good for batting, but is expected to be quicker as the Tests begin. Will break in the sun.
It’s bad news for Pakistan, who lost in-form opener Saeem Ayub to a fractured ankle on the first morning of the field, limiting them to nine wickets in each of their innings.
Ayub is expected to be out for around six weeks and will be a doubt for Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy squad.
South Africa have yet to book their place in June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s against unproven opposition, but after claiming a tense first Test in Pretoria by two wickets, they will take the series to 2. Want to win by -0.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.