SA 316/4 in 80 Overs (Stumps) | South Africa vs Pakistan Highlights of 2nd Test 2024-25 Day 1: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma Put Hosts In Solid Position, Saim Ayub Ruled Out of Series With Injury

That's It! A good day for South Africa and they have most of the conditions on offer. The start was up and down for South Africa but Ryan Rickelton found a solid partner in the form of Temba Bavuma and the duo powered the hosts to a solid position with six wickets to spare. Saim Ayub is ruled out of the series now and given Pakistan will have to play the remaining Test match one batter short, they will face an uphill task from here on. 

Out! Salman Agha strikes to provide some respite to his side! The mammoth 235-run stand has been broken! Agha flights it up on the up, Bavuma goes for the spin but the ball holds the line enough to take a faint nick to the hands of Mohammad Rizwan. Bavuma gets a standing ovation from the Cape Town crowd.  Bavuma c Rizwan b Salman Agha 106(179).

Hundred! Temba Bavuma reaches the milestone and he is animated. He has scored difficult runs in difficult conditions but this was the milestone he was aiming for. Helpful conditions for batting and Bavuma has made the most of him. Will give him confidence ahead of the World Test Championship final. 

Hundred! Temba Bavuma reaches the milestone and he is animated. He has scored difficult runs in difficult conditions but this was the milestone he was aiming for. Helpful conditions for batting and Bavuma has made the most of him. Will give him confidence ahead of the World Test Championship final. 

This is getting bigger and better for South Africa and things look gloom for Pakistan. 200 Run stand has now come up for South Africa. Ryan Rickelton has comfortably reached the 150 mark and Temba Bavuma nears century. Bavuma has looked in sublime touch till now and has confidence under his belt. 

Even after Tea, the Pakistan bowlers have failed to trouble either of Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma. They have scored at a brisk pace as well with the total nearing the mark of 250 now. Things will get uphill for Pakistan if they don't get a breakthrough soon. 

When the Day 1's play entered lunch, Pakistan were on their toes and they were looking to damage South Africa further in the second innings. But Temba Bavuma provided solidity at the other end and Ryan Rickelton continued his dominance and the latter scored his second Test century. Bavuma completed his half-century too and the duo have now put up more than a century stand. 

Century! There goes Ryan Rickelton. Eases his way to the second Test century. Looked really good from the start and after Temba Bavuma joined him, he never looked back. Given his massive potential, this innings will boost his confidence further. 

From 72/3 and blowing away the early lead, South Africa have really returned strong on the back of Temba Bavuma. He calmed things once again and Ryan Rickelton who was alreayd batting well has started flying now. He is nearing his century and South Africa towards century partnership. 

The partnership from South Africa is still small but intimidating enough for Pakistan. Ryan Rickelton looks well set and is cruising in his innings while Temba Bavuma holds the other end with his solid technical display. Pakistan will have to find a way through this partnership.