South African Opener Ryan Rickelton Hits 259 Runs in Second Test Against Pakistan
On day two of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Newlands in Cape Town, opener Ryan Rickelton showcased an outstanding performance by scoring 259 runs in his team’s first innings of 566/7 at tea. This remarkable innings marked Rickelton’s second Test century in his 10th Test match, following his previous century against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.
Starting the day on 176 not out, Rickelton continued his dominance by reaching his double century in the morning session off 266 balls, including 24 fours and one six. He went on to score his 250 in the afternoon session from 336 balls before being caught in the deep by Mohammad Abbas off MIR Hamza’s delivery.
Alongside contributions from Temba Bavuma (106), Kyle Verreynne (100), and Marco Jansen (57 not out at tea), Rickelton’s exceptional innings set a solid foundation for the Proteas.
Key Stats of Rickelton’s Knock:
- Rickelton’s 259 runs equal Graeme Smith’s 259 against England in 2003, ranking as South Africa’s joint seventh-highest Test score.
- His innings comprised 29 fours and three sixes off 343 balls.
- With 259 runs, Rickelton secured the second-highest Test score at Newlands behind Stephen Fleming’s 262 in 2006.
- This double century is the first by a South African in nearly eight years since Hashim Amla’s 201 against England at Newlands in 2016.
- Rickelton batted for 131.4 overs, partnering effectively with Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, and Marco Jansen.
The Proteas eventually ended their first innings at 615, showcasing a dominant batting display led by Rickelton’s exceptional performance. This innings not only adds to South Africa’s rich Test cricket history but also solidifies Rickelton’s position as a formidable opener in international cricket.
