2nd Test: Rickelton and Verreynne Lead South Africa to a Significant Advantage Over Pakistan

Cape Town, Jan 4 (NationPress) Opener Ryan Rickelton achieved a stunning maiden double century while Kyle Verreynne (100) and Marco Jansen made crucial contributions as South Africa posted an enormous first innings total before claiming three quick wickets to take a commanding lead in the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday.

Rickleton compiled a sensational 259 for his maiden double century, while keeper-batter Verreynne notched up a ton as South Africa showcased a dominant batting performance on the second day of the match.

After scoring 615 runs in their first innings, the Proteas secured three wickets in the final session with Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada leading the pace attack. At stumps, Pakistan were at 64/3, with former captain Babar Azam fighting in the middle at 31 and Mohammad Rizwan on nine not out.

Resuming their innings at 316/4 on Saturday, South Africa continued their ascent to a large total as Rickelton and Verreynne formed a commanding partnership. Rickelton reached his maiden Test double century, while Verreynne brought up his half-century as South Africa went into Lunch at 429-5. The duo maintained their aggressive approach post-lunch, putting together an impressive 148-run stand. Verreynne eventually scored his third Test century but fell shortly after, attempting a slog sweep off Salman Agha that was misplayed to Aamer Jamal.

Undeterred, Rickelton continued his scoring spree alongside Marco Jansen. The pair accumulated 86 runs before Pakistan finally broke their stand for the seventh wicket. Batting at 259, Rickelton attempted to send a delivery from Mir Hamza over long-on, but the ball went directly into the hands of Mohammad Abbas as South Africa went to Tea at 566-7.

The hosts added another 49 runs in the final session, aided by a quick 42-run partnership off just 32 balls between Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj before they were eventually restricted to 615. With a massive total on the board, Kagiso Rabada struck early for South Africa, dismissing Shan Masood in the very first over. The Proteas bagged two more wickets within the first ten overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 20-3. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan managed to survive the rest of the final session, closing Day 2 at 64-3, trailing by 551 runs.

The hosts, who lead 1-0 in the two-Test series, won the toss and opted to bat first on Friday. South Africa took the lead after a thrilling triumph in Centurion, where tailenders Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada held their nerve with the bat to secure victory. This win not only gave Temba Bavuma and his team a 1-0 series advantage but also secured their place in this year’s ICC World Test Championship Final.

Brief scores:

South Africa 615 all out in 141.3 overs (Ryan Rickelton 259, Temba Bavuma 106, Kyle Verreynne 100, Marco Jansen 62; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Salman Agha 3-148) lead Pakistan 64/3 in 21 overs (Babar Azam 31 not out, Mohd Rizwan 9 not out; Kagiso Rabada 2-9, Marco Jansen 1-14) by 551 runs.