Temba Bavuma reaches maiden Test century against Pakistan

Captain of South Africa Temba Bavuma delivered a captain’s knock at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, scoring his maiden Test century against Pakistan. His innings, full of breath and stamina, helped the Proteas recover from an early collapse and take control on the opening day of the second Test.

Bavuma’s century came after Ryan Rickelton’s pioneering hundred as the pair forged a crucial partnership to stay steady. from South Africa tickets

Bavuma’s long awaited century

Bavuma’s journey to his maiden Test century against Pakistan it was marked by patience and determination. He reached the milestone off 167 balls, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes along the way.

This was Bavuma’s fourth Test century overall and significant, given the context of the game. His knock also took him past 500 career runs against Pakistan in Test cricket.

The South African skipper showed immense composure after arriving at the crease with his side struggling at 72/3. Alongside Rickelton, Bavuma sailed through Pakistan’s potent pace attack to ensure South Africa remained in the driver’s seat.

Rickelton leads the Fightback

Earlier in the day, Ryan Rickelton set the tone in South Africa with a brilliant hundred of his own. After the top order faltered, Rickelton took over, anchoring the innings with authority.

The left-hander brought up his second Test century in style, smashing boundaries around the park. His partnership with Bavuma turned the tide for the hosts as they shared a two-century stand to rescue South Africa from a precarious position.

Rickelton eventually fell for 123, but his knock laid a solid foundation for South Africa to build on.

Early collapse rescued by middle order heroics

South Africa’s innings started with promise but quickly unraveled after a good start. The opening duo put on 61 runs before Pakistan struck three times in quick succession.

Aiden MarkramWiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs were dismissed in an 11-run spell, leaving the hosts at 72/3. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, seemed poised to cause a dramatic collapse.

However, Rickelton and Bavuma had other plans. The pair dug in, soaking up the pressure and gradually shifting the momentum in South Africa’s favour.

At the end of Day 1, South Africa stood at a commanding 316/4 after 80 overs. Bavuma, who was unbeaten on 100 at one stage, was eventually dismissed by Salman Ali Agha for 106.

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