We are back for Pakistan's reply with the bat! The umpires make their way out to the middle and are followed closely by the South Africans who are spreading across to take the field. 

... SECOND INNINGS ...

Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj's cameos made sure Proteas went past the 600-run mark before being bundled out. Amidst the flurry of runs, Salman Agha quietly made his mark, chipping in with three crucial wickets, while the ever-reliable Mohammad Abbas also finished with three scalps to his name. Now, staring at 615 runs on the board and Saim Ayub unavailable, Pakistan face an uphill battle. The odds are stacked against them, but they’ll need to take it one step at a time, focus on battin

However, what followed completely changed the complexion of the game. A massive 235-run partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma allowed South Africa to dictate terms. Both batters brought up commanding centuries, with Bavuma falling just before the close of Day 1. Pakistan came out with renewed intent on the second morning, making the second new ball talk by removing David Bedingham. Yet, they couldn’t maintain control, allowing another flourishing partnership. Rickelton went on to notch his

After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Pakistan started brilliantly with the new ball. Despite a strong opening stand, they kept their patience and were rewarded with the breakthrough of Aiden Markram. The visitors capitalized further, dismissing Mulder and Stubbs in quick succession to gain a slight edge.

Pakistan finally manage to wrap up the tail and bring the innings to a close. South Africa are bowled out for a mammoth 615, leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb. This remarkable effort was headlined by Ryan Rickelton’s stunning double century, a truly memorable knock. He was brilliantly supported by skipper Temba Bavuma, who crafted a composed century, and Kyle Verreynne, whose attacking ton added to the visitors’ woes.

Mohammad Abbas to Kwena Maphaka, ! BOWLED! DONE IT THIS TIME! South Africa has been bowled out for 615!

Mohammad Abbas to Kwena Maphaka, A huge cheer from the crowd as Kwena Maphaka has defended it solidly! Slightly fuller than good length, just outside off, Kwena Maphaka comes forward and blocks it off the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Kagiso Rabada, Good length, around middle, coming in, from around the stumps, Kagiso Rabada tucks it to deep fine leg for a single. 

A huge cheer as the debutant Kwena Maphaka makes his way out to bat for South Africa!

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Khurram Shahzad gets his second!

Is that out? Keshav Maharaj has started to walk off!

Khurram Shahzad to Kagiso Rabada, Full, on off, Kagiso Rabada drives it to long off for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, Length, on off, Keshav Maharaj taps it to the left of the bowler and gets to the other end. He moves to the 40s now!

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, Hits the deck hard, on a length, over middle, Keshav Maharaj backs away and cuts it hard but finds the fielder at point. 

Khurram Shahzad to Kagiso Rabada, Full and outside off, Kagiso Rabada cracks his drive to the right of mid off for just a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, Angling in, on a length, around middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Slightly shorter than good length, around middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj hops back and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single. He is racing closely to his fifty. 

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, 3 runs.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, ! CHEEKY THIS TIME! A deft touch! On a good length, outside off, from over the wicket, going away, Keshav Maharaj plays it very late as he opens the face of the bat off the back foot towards deep third man for another boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, ! WOW! WHAT A SHOT! Maharaj is just showing Pakistan what he has been capable of! Good length again, outside off, slanting away, Keshav Maharaj shuffles to the off stump and heave it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Full, on middle, Keshav Maharaj works it to square leg for a single. 18 runs off that over and South Africa are now 597/8!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Four!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, ! BANG! Keshav Maharaj is putting on a show and taking on the spinner!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, ! Oh hello? Where has that come from? 

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Salman Agha to Kagiso Rabada, Full, on middle, Kagiso Rabada tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, ! Great shot! Mir Hamza digs it into the deck, on a back of a length, over off. Keshav Maharaj stays rooted to the crease and rises with the bounce to slap it over covers for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Short of a good length, on off, Keshav Maharaj pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, On a length, on off, blocked by Maharaj!

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Comes from wider on the crease and lands it on a length, just around off, Keshav Maharaj swats it hard but straight to mid off.

Salman Agha to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Salman Agha to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Tossed up, around middle, Keshav Maharaj walks down the track to slog it but misses it and wears it on the body.

Salman Agha is brought in to bowl replacing Aamer Jamal!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Comes around the wicket, short around leg, angling in, Keshav Maharaj tucks it to square leg for no run.

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, Hard length, at the stumps, Kagiso Rabada blocks it out.

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, Angling into the batter, down leg, Kagiso Rabada tries to tuck it on its way but misses.

Kagiso Rabada walks in to bat next!

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, ! CAUGHT! Marco Jansen's cameo comes to an end and South Africa lose their 8th wicket. Marco Jansen does more than what was asked for and walks back for a well made 62(54).

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Follows up with some pace off, but keeps it well outside off, on a fuller length. Marco Jansen sees the ball and lets it pass.

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, ! Sweetly timed! Back of a length, wayward outside off, Marco Jansen steps across and pumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Angling away, well outside off, fuller in length, Marco Jansen steps across and winds up for a heave across the line but misses. Hits it off the inner half of the bat and back onto his pads.

It will be Mir Hamza to share the attack from the other end.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, Good length, around middle, coming in, Keshav Maharaj presents the full face of the bat to defend it.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, Much fuller, almost a yorker, around middle, Keshav Maharaj drills it down the ground back to the bowler who stops it off his shoe.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

We’re back for the final session of the day’s play! The umpires and players have made their way out to the middle, and Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj will resume their stay in the middle, looking to pile on more runs. It will be Aamer Jamal to start the session with the ball in hand. Away we go!

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

Ryan Rickelton continued his marathon knock, crossing the 250-run mark in a stunning display of skill and endurance. However, his incredible innings came to an end toward the fag end of the session, as he perished while trying to accelerate the scoring rate. While not much has gone according to plan for Pakistan, they managed to pick up two crucial wickets in this session, including the scalp of Kyle Verreynne, thanks to sticking to smaller, focused plans of bowling outside off. Heading into th

Starting the session, Kyle Verreynne picked up right where he left off before the break, bringing up a well-deserved century in style. However, as he tried to accelerate the scoring, he fell against the run of play. What followed, though, pushed Pakistan further onto the back foot. Marco Jansen came out with all guns blazing, wasting no time to get off the blocks. He smashed boundaries at will, treating the bowlers with disdain, and raced to a quickfire half-century, adding even more misery to

Another session dominated by the Proteas as Tea is called on Day 2! In 27 overs, South Africa added a brisk 137 runs to their tally, losing just two wickets along the way. Pakistan did manage to dismiss both Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton, but beyond those breakthroughs, little went their way this session.

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Full outside off again, Marco Jansen moves across and tries to slog it but gets through the inner half of the blade to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. TEA ON DAY 2! SH AFRICA IS ON 566/7.

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Gets beaten! Full outside off, going away from the batter, Marco Jansen tries to slog it to the leg side but misses it. 

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Four!

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Full, around leg, coming in, Keshav Maharaj helps it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Comes around the wicket now, good length, on middle, angling in, Keshav Maharaj presents the full face of the bat to defend it. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Back of a length, outside off, angling away, from around the stumps, Keshav Maharaj moves across and covers the line to keep it down with ease. 

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, Gets beaten again! Slower length, outside off, coming in, Marco Jansen looks to steal a single by dabbing it to the off side but misses it. 

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, A play and a miss! Full, outside off, going away, Marco Jansen looks to loft it over cover but gets beaten on the inside edge. 

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, Good length, just outside off, Marco Jansen pulls it to long on from the back foot for a single. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Slightly shorter than full, outside off, slanting away, Keshav Maharaj shoulders arms to let it go.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Full, wide outside off, going away from the batter, Keshav Maharaj doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Newlands, soak it in.  Second highest individual score in a Test innings at Newlands - only behind New Zealand's Stephen Fleming's 262 against South Africa in 2006.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! c Mohammad Abbas b Mir Hamza.

Who walks in next?

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Four!

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! Good Timing! 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, from over the wicket, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton moves across and comes forward to steer it to cover for no run.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, FIFTY FOR MARCO JANSEN! It comes off just 42 balls and the crowd is up on their feet again! Fuller from Jamal, on off, Marco Jansen drives it to deep cover and takes two easy runs.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, Jamal hits the deck hard, on a nagging length, just outside off, right in that corridor of uncertainty and gets it to straighten up a bit. Marco Jansen looks to block but misses on the outside edge. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, around off, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and drills it down the ground wide of mid off for a quick single. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, just outside off, from over the wicket, angling away, Ryan Rickelton punches it to cover off the back foot. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! Toiling with the bowlers is Marco Jansen! Short and on middle, Jansen stands tall in the crease and pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket for four more runs. 15 runs come off that over and Marco Jansen moves to 48 of just 39 balls!

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! There is no stopping Jansen at the moment! Feels like he knows what's coming his way and sets himself perfectly for just that! 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! Moves into the 40s now does Marco Jansen! Khurram Shahzad goes full and outside off. Marco Jansen shuffles across to cover the line and thumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, He has done it. 250 has come up for Ryan Rickelton! 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, ! Up, up and over! Flighted full, right in the arc, asking to be hit. Marco Jansen duly obliges and clears his front leg out before swiping it across the line. Gets more than enough to clear deep mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full, at the stumps, Marco Jansen drives it straight back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, 3 runs.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Fuller than a length, outside off, Marco Jansen lets this one go past.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Wider than the previous one but Jansen premediates it. Moves across and sets himself for a hoick through the off. Slaps it hard but cant beat mid off. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Follows up with width outside off, on a length, Marco Jansen throws his arms at it but fails to connect.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! TONKED IT! SH AFRICA IS LOOKING IN A HURRY NOW! 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! BACK-TO-BACK BOUNDARIES! This time to the leg side. Goes shorter this time, just around off, angling in, Marco Jansen sits back nicely and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for another boundary. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Four!

The race is on then. Between a declaration and a triple century. Ryan Rickelton has moved to 247 now, which means he is now 10th in the list of the highest individual scorers for South Africa.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, ! Huge one from Rickelton! Moves to 247 runs! 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton eases it out to mid off.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, 500 UP FOR SH AFRICA! 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, A bit fuller and on off, Marco Jansen drives it to cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Keeps the line outside off, on a length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit while it stays low off the deck. Marco Jansen has a shy at it away from his body but gets beaten. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, LEG BYES! Huge shout from Khurram Shahzad but umpire Kumar Dharmasena is unmoved.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, Rahmat Shah has scored what could possibly be a match-winning century. Afghanistan are in a much better position now, at 186/6, leading Zimbabwe exactly by 100 in the second Test. Still, 47 overs are left in the day. Meanwhile, KHURRAM SHAHZAD is back on. 21-3-90-1 so far.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, ! The second attempt on the reverse sweep brings Rickelton the desired result. Tossed up, on off, Rickelton reverse sweeps it well past slip for a boundary. 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Outside off, pitching fuller, Marco Jansen cuts it to deep point for a single.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Looped full, on middle, Ryan Rickelton knocks it down to long on for one.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, ! One of those very few errors from Mohammad Abbas and Jansen makes him pay! Angling into leg, on a length, Marco Jansen clips it off his pads and beats fine leg for a boundary to end the over. 

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, Attacks the stumps, on a nagging length, Marco Jansen takes a step out and blocks it down the pitch.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, ! Nicely done by Jansen! On a length, right into the pads, with the angle coming into him. Marco Jansen flicks it beautifully through the gap at square leg to find his first boundary. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, Rickelton punches it through the covers for one.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, On a length, outside off, coming in with the angle, Marco Jansen gets across and tickles it towards fine leg for a run to get off the mark.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton punches it through the covers for a single.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Quicker and fuller, on middle and off, Marco Jansen keeps it out.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full and at the stumps, Marco Jansen blocks it down the deck.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Quicker, outside off, a touch short, Marco gets a good stride across and shoulders arms.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

DRINKS BREAK. 48/1 in 15 overs since Lunch. The over rate is the only positive for Pakistan. If you are wondering whether the bowling has been better looking at the run rate, then no, not quite. But the plans have been better executed. Like the one to keep pace from one end and spin from the other. Then, blocking the off side and making Verreynne drive and run out of patience. From that aspect, Shan Masood has certainly been the most proactive in these 5 sessions but he is already staring at a

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller than a good length, wayward outside off, Ryan Rickelton lets it go past.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, A huge shout for LBW but turned down! More in desperation and a very optimistic one to be honest! Full and on leg, coming in with the angle, Marco Jansen fails to flick and the ball clips his pad and rolls behind for a leg bye. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and wide again, Ryan plays that oozing cover drive once more but this time, there is protection at sweeper. Just a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, ! CLASSY! From Ryan Rickeldoubleton. Yes, that is the new nickname which is going abuzz in social media.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Pushed through full and outside off, Marco Jansen lets it pass. A successful wicket maiden over from Salman Agha!

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full, on off, Marco Jansen with soft hands keeps it out. 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full and outside off, Marco Jansen leans on and makes a leave.

Marco Jansen walks in at number 8, replacing Kyle Verreynne.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! CAUGHT! Finally, a wicket for Pakistan and the 148-run stand is broken. Wicket number 3 for Salman Agha and for once, Mohammad Rizwan is not involved in the dismissal.

Pretty emotional moment. How lucky is the crowd at Newlands. Stood up for Rickelton's century. Stood up for Bavuma's century. Stood up for Ricketon's double ton. And now, stood up for Verreynne's ton. Kyle Verreynne cannot quite put his expressions into words and gets a massive hug from Rickelton.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, GETS HIS TH CENTURY IN TESTS NOW! This is a special innings from the South Africa Keeper as he has fought back the hard initial time. He hasn't been in the form in this series and has been falling for cheap scored. But here, he concentrated a lot and produced this match winning knock.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, ! DISPATCHED! Moves to 99! Slightly short than good length, around middle, from over the stumps, coming in, Kyle Verreynne is waiting for that length as he rocks back and thumps it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. He is just one away from a well-deserved hundred. The partnership is also on 147. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A short ball now, outside off.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Fractionally overpitched, outside off, Verreynne drives it straight to mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Kyle Verreynne punches it straight to cover.

Mohammad Abbas returns. 24-1-70-2 so far.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Ends with a single! Tossed up, around off and middle, Kyle Verreynne walks a step ahead and drills it down the ground to long on and retains the strike. He moves to 93.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Bonus for Kyle Verreynne.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Short, outside off, Ryan Rickelton stays back and punches it through point for a single.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, A Maiden! Full wide outside off, angling away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full again, but this time, outside off, going away with the angle, Kyle Verreynne doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full, around off, from over the stumps, straightens off the deck, slow in pace, Kyle Verreynne looks to defend it off the front foot but gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls over to mid-wicket.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full, outside off, slanting away, Kyle reaches out and drives it towards mid off.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, This time, he stands where he is, does Verreynne.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Good response from Kyle Verreynne. He has understood the plan of going wide outside off against him, so he is now batting outside his off stump. Gets further across, meets the ball but pushes it towards point.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Shorter on middle, punched back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Ahem. So a message has come out then.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, outside off, going straight on, Ryan Rickelton looks to drive it through the covers but plays early and the ball goes off the inner half of the bat back to the bowler.

So this is the new plan. Seeing Verreynne pounce on the shorter deliveries, Pakistan are going to try and go wide outside off to him, keep the length full and make him drive, hoping that he nicks one or mistimes one.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Again no run for Kyle Verreynne! Full, outside off, going further away, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and drives it straight to extra cover. It ends the over and just 2 off it. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, A solid drive but no run! Full, on the fifth stump, seaming away, Kyle Verreynne drives it hard off the front foot straight to mid off.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full just around off, from over the wicket, going away from the angle, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Low full toss outside off, almost a yorker, Kyle digs it out towards short cover.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Similar line, on a fuller length, slanting away, Verreynne lets it go.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, On a length, around off, slanting away, Kyle Verreynne cuts it behind point. The ball races away towards the fence but Aamer Jamal gives it a good chase to his left from deep point, slides across and stops the ball. Two runs taken.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Again around the wicket for him, short, around middle from the angle, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the back foot with ease. The partnership is of 133 now. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, A bit slower through the air now, on middle, Verreynne goes back and tucks it through square leg, for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, The arm ball, on middle, Kyle Verreynne helps it towards short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

We are just done with 34 overs with this second new ball but Vernon Philander believes that there might be signs of reverse swing for Pakistan. Not quite sure how, because neither is the ball that old, nor is the surface that abrasive.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Another play and a miss to end the over! 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, outside off, seaming away, Kyle Verreynne doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through the keeper.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full outside off, going further away, Kyle Verreynne drives it to cover off the front foot. Oh..no... Hamza has overstepped and it has been called a No Ball.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Similar line and length, testing the patience of Kyle, who, for now, is happy to shoulder arms. But for how long?

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller ball, wide outside off, slanting further away, Kyle Verreynne lets it be.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Overpitched, wide outside off again, Verreynne drives it straight to cover.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, A Close Leave! Drops it short, from around the stumps, angling in, Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms at the very last moment as the ball zips past the off stump by an inch. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, ! Ho ho ho! Where has that come from? It almost seemed like Rickelton had gone to snooze since his double century, but now, feels like the Verreynne effect is rubbing off on him.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Gets through the outer half of the bat for a single! Full again, outside off, going away, Ryan Rickelton wants to drive it off the front foot but gets a leading edge towards deep point and retains the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full outside off again, Ryan Rickelton comes forward to drive it straight to extra cover. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Runs in hard and bowls on full length, outside off, going away, from over the wicket, Ryan Rickelton leaves it alone. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Outside off again, on a back of a good length, Kyle Verreynne works it away to point for a single. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Angling away, outside off, on a length, left alone by Kyle Verreynne.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton slices it aerially to deep backward point for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Drags the length, and changes the line to outside off, Kyle Verreynne goes back in the crease and defends it with the full face of the bat to end the over.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Flighted full, around off, from over the wicket, turning in, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and turns it to mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! BANG! Kyle Verreynne continues his show after Lunch! 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to cover for a single.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full outside off again, left alone by Kyle Verreynne to end the over. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly full than good length, wide outside off, going away, Kyle Verreynne has to reach out to play at it and goes straight to extra cover for no run. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Width outside off, on a back of a length, Kyle Verreynne hops back and slaps it through cover-point for a couple of runs. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Angling away, outside off, Kyle Verreynne holds his bat high and makes a leave.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Good length and on the right line, just around that off-stump. Kyle Verreynne keeps it out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to mid on from the front foot. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Drags the length down for Kyle Verreynne and serves it on middle and leg. Kyle goes back and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, A hint of width outside off, fuller in length and Ryan Rickelton cuts it to deep point for one.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full again, outside off, seaming away, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and drives it wide of mid off where Shan makes a dive to stop it. They don't take any run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Left alone again! Full outside off, going away, from over the wicket, Kyle Verreynne doesn't offer any shot at it.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, And again! Way too wide to make the batter play. Kyle Verreynne lets it pass.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Goes full and well wide outside off, Kyle Verreynne shoulders arms. 

Welcome back for the afternoon session. 63 overs left in the day. If we have roughly another 27 overs in this session, that score could swell up nicely. Attack is certainly on the cards, by Verreynne while Rickelton will be looking to just soldier on. For this Test match and Pakistan's sake, can we see some wickets fall? It has been great to see the double century and the century and the half century, but three sessions in a row, so one-sided, makes it a dull game to watch. Because more of this

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Starts from over the wicket and lands it outside off, on a length, Kyle Verreynne punches it straight to cover. 

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

In the air and gone! Well, we were talking about cracking finishes and we just can't stop raving about the ongoing second Zim-Afg Test in Bulawayo. Shahidullah Kamal has just been dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani and Afghanistan are now 138/6 in their second innings, leading by 52. With Rashid Khan still to come, the visitors will still bank of getting 50 runs more at least. Can they double that and set a target of 150ish for a cracking finish? The prediction of a Day 3 finish is still on, with

Meanwhile, fresh news is coming in from Sydney that Aussie coach Andrew McDonald has indirectly accused India of intimidating Sam Konstas during the opening day of the fifth and final Test between Australia and India. After dismissing Usman Khawaja on the final ball of the day, Jasprit Bumrah and almost the entire Indian team was seen celebrating in Konstas' face, who clearly seemed shaken with that. However, a story is never complete without hearing from both sides. From what we saw, it definit

What next? Are we going to see crash, bang and kaboom post Lunch? Verreynne certainly looks in the mood to do that. Pakistan seemed to have already given up, but they cannot just blame the pitch or the toss. There is still in it for the bowlers but one needs to be disciplined. They have been guilty of losing patience far too early. Plenty of time left in this Test match, so the Proteas won't be in any hurry, as normal cricket can get them to 550 by Tea. Maybe, they could get more if Kyle Verrey

Rickelton has played his part really well. Early on, he was the one taking more of the strike, even when Bedingham was around and also when Kyle Verreynne was new to the crease. Their partnership reads 106 of which, Verreynne's score is 74, but it was not always the case. Kyle had a tough time negotating the second new ball and at one stage, he was on 7 (24). Then, he got a real loosener from Abbas which he deposited into the stands and literally took over. Factor this - when Rickelton got to 2

The day began with the focus on Ryan Rickelton looking to get to his double hundred and Pakistan looking for early wickets. Both happened. But the visitors could not get any further inroads post that wicket of Bedingham. They started with the second new ball pretty efficiently but then ran out of patience. The lines and lengths suffered and the patient Proteas took them apart.

Third session on the trot which has gone in South Africa's favour. They have scored 113 runs in 27 overs in this session, losing just the one wicket of David Bedingham. Pakistan started the day well but once the ball got older, they ran out of ideas and Verreynne started to run riot. The one good thing though, was the over rate.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quick again, a bit flatter as well, defended from the crease. LUNCH ON DAY 2, SH AFRICA ARE 429/5!

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker and shorter, helped towards mid on who is a bit deep but the batters don't take the single.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to the right of the bowler. 

This should be the final over before Lunch.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Four!

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, MORE! Bring it on! Lunch may be around the corner or 2 hours later. Verreynne does not care.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, ! Absolutely dispatched! Short of a length, not that short to trouble the batter, around middle. Kyle Verreynne reads the length early and pulls it beautifully over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Angling into the hips of the batter, on a length, Ryan Rickelton fails to tuck it across. The ball clips him high on the thigh pad and rolls in front of fine leg for a leg bye.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the wicket and dishes it out full, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton taps it down the deck with soft hands. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Fired in on off stump, at 80 kph, KV flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! HAMMERED! Short and wide outside off, Verreynne rocks back and cuts it through cover. There is deep point in place and he gets across to his right as well. Reaches the ball, but is unable to push it away. Mir Hamza was the fielder.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Landed on middle, Kyle Verreynne flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Full, on middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it from well in front but can't get it past short fine leg. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Full, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks.

This is now becoming like a proper sub-continental pitch. There is a bit more of that indifferent bounce and we might see the ball start to turn as well. Come Days 3 and 4, the slower bowlers will come into picture and probably, Day 5 will be the toughest to bat on, if the game goes till then.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Nicely bowled to finish the over.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Verreynne stays back and guides it towards backward point.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne punches it straight to cover.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, over middle, Kyle Verreynne hops back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Hits the deck hard, on a length, around middle and off, Kyle Verreynne keeps it out.

Aamer Jamal into the attack. Had an ordinary day yesterday. 15-0-86-0 so far.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Starts from around the wicket and serves it slightly fuller in length, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to the right of mid off and gets a single. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, The arm ball, just around off, well kept out.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller, around middle and off, watchfully defended.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Pushed through, fuller and on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton clips it to square leg.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, driven straight to cover. 

Well, this escaped all of us. Kyle Verreynne has gone past 1000 Test runs, in his 37th inning. He has got those runs at an average of 31.34 at a decent strike rate of around 58. The last few things though, it has been all or nothing for Verreynne. His 7 previous innings read 2 centuries, but 5 single-digit scores as well. He will hope this turns out to be another hundred, given that he has got a start.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, EDGED, , FIFTY FOR VERREYNNE!

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Outside off, the length is immediately fuller, a watchful Verreynne pushes it towards cover.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, ! FETCH THAT! He is getting into his groove now. Fractionally short, outside off, Ryan Rickelton picks the length in a flash and pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket. Takes him to 49. 400 UP FOR SH AFRICA!

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length, on middle and off, Kyle Verreynne covers the line and blocks.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Errs in line and lands it down leg, fuller in length, Kyle Verreynne misses out on the flick as the ball goes past to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, On a fuller length, at the stumps, Kyle Verreynne clips it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Lovely ball. Fired through the air, outside off, fuller in length, Rickelton looks to drive but misses.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Tossed up, just outside off, allows Ryan to free his arms and he does. Drives it well but finds cover.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Nagging length around middle and off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton cracks his drive but straight to short cover. 

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan seems to be heading towards a Day 3 finish. After getting a lead of 86 runs, the hosts picked up 2 wickets this morning, but Rahmat Shah is fighting hard for the visitors. His unbeaten 68 has taken his side to 125/5 at Lunch on Day 3, which means Afghanistan are effectively 39/5 in the second innings. Looking at their bowling attack, they would be aiming for 100 more on the board.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Just around off, watchfully pushed towards mid on.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, A bit too straight, tucked straight to short mid-wicket.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Straight and full, at the pads, Kyle Verreynne tucks it through mid-wicket and gets two more runs. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne looks for a pull but misses out as the ball zips past the outside edge, not by much. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, ! Minimal effort from Kyle Verreynne!

Mohammad Rizwan, the keeper for Pakistan, is trying his level best to cheer his players up.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, The arm ball, around middle, well kept out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker ball, around off, Ryan Rickelton stays back and defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Loops it even more this time and keeps it outside off, fuller in length, Ryan Rickelton drills it to deep cover for a couple of runs.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker and fuller, outside off, Ryan Rickelton goes deep in the crease and cuts it to dep point for another two. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Looped up, on middle, Kyle Verreynne tucks it to square leg for one.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, An appeal for the LBW, and the umpire has turned it down. Shan has asked his player and they are going upstairs. Good length, from around the stumps, coming in sharply, around middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne hops up and looks to flick it off the back foot but misses it and wears it on the pads. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, ! All class on that one!

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza gets a change of ends. 16-1-60-0 so far.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Flighted full, around off and middle, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and flicks it to long on for a single to retain the strike. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Tossed up, around off, from over the stumps, Kyle Verreynne chips in down the ground to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Nagging length, around off, Kyle Verreynne punches it to mid on.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Darted full, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton lunges and taps it through mid-wicket for a single. 

Overall, Ryan Rickelton has become the fourth player to score a double hundred in his maiden Test innings as an opener. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Could have been chopped on! Good length, around off, angling in, Kyle Verreynne looks to cut it off the front foot but only manages to get an inside edge back to the pitch. The ball rolls over to side of stumps, lucky for him. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length, over off, Kyle Verreynne punches it down the deck.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, ! Well, well,  well, Kyle Verreynne seems to have switched the gears and has definitely found his mojo! 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Lands it on a fuller length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to deep backward point for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! He has found the gap this time! Short again, outside off, with no turn at it. Kyle Verreynne cuts it hard as he is already on the back foot wide of point for a boundary to end the over.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Ryan Rickelton's double is the 19th occasion of a double hundred being scored in a Test in South Africa. Interestingly, it is the 7th at Newlands, the most at any venue in this country. The next best is 4, at Kingsmead, Durban. Overall, Adelaide Oval tops the list with 21. And we all know why. With drop-in pitches, the track turns into a pancake as the days go by.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Pushed through quicker and fuller, at the stumps, Kyle Verreynne takes a step out and eases it to mid on.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! Great execution of the shot! Salman Agha bowls it full, on off, Kyle Verreynne reverse sweeps it past backward point for a boundary. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Tosses it up, on off, Kyle Verreynne turns it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, outside off, going away, Kyle Verreynne dabs it in front of point for a single to retain the strike. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Good length, coming in, from over the wicket, around middle, Kyle Verreynne looks to defend it but his hands get off from the shoulder of the bat as the contact with the ball. The ball goes to mid-wicket for no run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Nearly!

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Keeps it full, on off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and taps it to point.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Full and on middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne clips it to mid-wicket.

DRINKS BREAK. What a moment for the 28-year old. He would still be soaking the feeling in. Maiden double Test ton, in his very first knock as an opener. And it has been a classy knock, make no mistake. He has shown all types of gears. Started off nicely, then had to slow down and he did both with perfect resolve. Then, once the ball got older, he made full use of the conditions on offer. Even this morning, he believed he started on 0 and has grown in confidence as the hour went on. It is a scorc

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! A DEFT TOUCH! 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, MAIDEN DOUBLE TON FOR RYAN RICKELTON! Newlands is on its feet! The last time a South African batter made a Test double ton at this ground was 9 years ago.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! BRILLIANT! Onto 199 now! Full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and executes a nice little push back past the bowler, down the ground through mid off. Mum is on her feet to applaud that. When is that next run coming?

It is a weekend and the crowd has been building up nicely. It was not necessarily a full house yesterday, but so far this morning, people have turned up in fairly large numbers. There will be the anticipation of Rickelton reaching his double ton and then, a bit of fun in the second session, once the Proteas get past 400. And later, in the third session, they would be keen to see Rabada and Jansen have a go at the Pakistan batters. First bowling change of the day. Mir Hamza to bowl now. 15-1-49

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Landed around off, from left arm over the wicket, angling away, Kyle Verreynne opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, from over the wicket, around middle and off, Ryan Rickelton defends it with the full face of the bat to end the over.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Gets off the strike now! Changes his line to outside off, on a good length, going away from the batter, Kyle Verreynne cuts it wide of point and takes a quick single. 350 comes up for South Africa at a good pace. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, slower in pace, around off, coming in, Kyle Verreynne blocks it right under his eyes off the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, This one stays low, landing on the same length as the previous one.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, ! Well, that's one way of getting out of trouble.

Interesting point from Vernon Philander on air. He says that if he had been playing or had he been in the South African dressing room, he would have had a word with Ryan Rickelton. Details that obviously, Rickelton would be on cloud nine for his marvellous knock but it takes just one mistake to undo all the hard work. So Day 2 is equally or even more important than Day 1, because today is the day he can help his side bat Pakistan out of the Test. There needs to be that persistent hunger for run

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, A solid confident defense off the front foot! Similar line and length to the previous one, Ryan Rickelton comes forward to block it. It is coming off the middle of the bat.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, just around off, coming in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton defends it to mid off. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Landed around off, the length keeps getting fuller, Ryan looks to push but the ball comes off slowly, takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards short mid-wicket.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, just a tad short of good length now, Rickelton rises with the bounce and punches it towards cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! FEROCIOUS! A hit away from the double now!

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A Maiden! Similar line and length to the previous one and Kyle Verreynne comes forward to defend it again. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A sold defense on this one! Good length, just around off, seaming in, at 129 kph, Kyle Verreynne blocks it with his front leg out. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Full around middle, coming in, from over the stumps, Kyle Verreynne chips in to mid on off the front foot. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Frustration creeping in now.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, coming in, Verreynne defends it back down the pitch.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, just short of full, Kyle Verreynne shoulders arms.

How time changes one's perception, confidence and form. Just a month ago, Kyle Verreynne was looking in supreme touch, against Sri Lanka. But towards the end of that series, the Lankans started to work him out, getting the ball to nip in and keep it as straight as possible. Pakistan seem to have watched those videos and are doing really well to keep Verreynne quiet and in his crease, as much as possible. He is not being allowed to come forward to drive. What is also happening is - perhaps Kyle

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, coming in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down with ease. 

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Takes a single after three dots! Good length, outside off, going away, too much width to offer, Kyle Verreynne guides it to deep point off the back foot and gets off the strike.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, on a good length, Verreynne stays back and defends.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Full and straight, Kyle Verreynne looks to defend. But the ball then straightens from that angle and squares him up a touch. Takes a bit of a leading edge but drops down safely near cover.

A bit of a chatter between Abbas and Rickelton. Pretty soft, not like the ones going on in Australia in that Test series. Abbas keeps saying something and Rickelton just smiles and then shakes his head. Might be something on the lines of how about trying to get to the double century with two big blows.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Lamded outside off, left alone.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Comes around the wicket, on a good length, around middle, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the front foot with ease. A very good over has come to an end by Abbas. He is bowling beautifully here with the new ball. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Good length, nips back in sharply, around middle and off, Kyle Verreynne just brings out the bat in time to get an inside edge otherwise he would have been a goner. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly fuller than the previous one, around off, coming in, Kyle Verreynne gets open up and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Carbon copy of the previous ball. This time, Kyle stays back and pushes it towards point.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Closer to the off stump, making the batter play. Verreynne comes forward and pushes it towards mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Kyle Verreynne takes his bat away from the line.

Much better from Pakistan this morning. They are trying to get the new ball talk and have been rewarded with the wicket of Bedingham. However, they did well with the first new ball as well. It was after the ball got old, that they struggled with their disciplines. However, if they can manage to nip another 2 more wickets in the next 10 overs or so, they could still stand a chance to come back into the game.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, a bit of extra bounce, Ryan Rickelton shuffles to cover the line and defends it back to the bowler to end the over.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, outside off, angling in, Ryan Rickelton moves across and shoulders arms to let it go.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full, around off and middle, seaming in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton tries to flick it off the front foot but gets through the inner half of the blade to mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! BEAUTY! What a way to get the first boundary of the day. Slightly overpitched, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and drives it straight back past the bowler and the non-striker, straight down the ground. What a sight to behold.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Length, over middle and off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it down the deck.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, just outside off, nipping back in off the deck, Kyle Verreynne sees the line and length closely and opts to make a leave. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A huge, huge appeal for LBW, but turned down by the umpire! Shan Masood after a long chat with the players around the pitch decides to challenge it. Mohammad Abbas serves this on a good length, around middle and leg with the angle coming into the batter. Kyle Verreynne looks to push it out on the leg side but misses onto his pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike but the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be going over leg stump. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed just outside off, coming in, Kyle Verreynne works it straight to short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, a touch wide, Rickelton reaches out and eases it through cover-point for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to defend but the ball stops a bit, takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. Hmm... so the indifferent bounce is definitely coming into play. All the best, Pakistan. You are gonna bat last.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Bashes the deck hard, on a back of a good length, on middle, Ryan Rickelton tucks it through mid-wicket for a single. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton firms his drive straight to mid off.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Great shot and a good effort from Mir Hamza to save a run for his side!

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Did that stay a touch low? Or are my eyes playing tricks on me? Landed outside off, Verreynne looks to punch it through the off side but the ball stayed low, (as per me) and he managed to push it towards cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton taps it towards cover for a run.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Kyle Verreynne opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Pulls the length back and keeps it around middle and off, Kyle Verreynne punches it through covers for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller and on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it to mid on.

Kyle Verreynne walks in at number 7, replacing David Bedingham.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mohammad Abbas has given Pakistan a breakthrough with this second new ball. Just what they needed!

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

There are plenty of pigeons near the playing area.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Hits the deck hard kind of a delivery, on a short of a length, around middle, David Bedingham knocks it to mid on. 

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Full and on middle, with good pace behind the ball. David Bedingham looks to tuck it across but gets an outside edge that flies to cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Landed outside off, pretty wide, David shoulders arms.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Hint of swing. Full, outside off, Bedingham comes forward to defend but the ball shapes away late. However, he adjusts well to cover the swing and pushes the ball towards cover.

Interesting murmurs and discussions regarding some change in rules to be requested from the ICC. With Saim Ayub ruled out of this Test, Pakistan are down to 10 men with the bat for actually no fault of theirs. Just as there is a rule for concussion substitution, should there be a rule for a substitution for any injury, irrespective whether it is internal or external? Let's go a bit further. How about introducing the Impact Player rule in Tests as well? Because the rule is more or less similar

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, On a good length, outside off, David Bedingham punches it down the track.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length back and keeps it on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton dabs it in front of mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Lands it on a length, just outside off, with a hint of away movement off the deck. Ryan Rickelton plays late and pushes it to point. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, just 122 kph, Rickelton blocks it out beside the pitch on the off side.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, coming in from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton pushes it towards mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, watchfully pushed away.

The pitch seems to have grown brownish in colour today. There is still some grass in patches. The footholes created by the landing of the seamers are becoming to create some footmarks and come Day 3, there could be visible turn. Otherwise, nothing much regarding any seam movement. MOHAMMAD ABBAS to share the second new ball with Khurram. 16-0-51-1 so far.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it into the pads this time, on a length, Ryan Rickelton clips it through mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it into the batter, on a good length, around off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid off. 

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Gentle medium pace, around off, on a good length, Bedingham defends it watchfully.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, First run of Day 2. A short ball, outside off, David punches this through the covers for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, No run.

500? 550? 600? These are the numbers that would be ringing in South Africa's mind. What about Pakistan? How do they come back? The only way visible is by bowling the Proteas out and that too, quickly, possibly by Tea. That could limit the juggernaut to 450.

500? 550? 600? These will be the numbers in South Africa's mind. What about Pakistan though? How can they come back? Looking at the pitch, the only way is by bowling the Proteas out and bowling them out quickly, possibly before Tea. That might stop the juggernaut at 450. Still some batting left in Verreynne, Jansen and Maharaj. Not to forget what Rabada did in the last game too! The players are out on the field as another bright and sunny day welcomes us in Newlands.

With Saim Ayub’s injury, Pakistan face an even greater setback due to the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and recovery ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy at home this February. With the tournament just weeks away, Ayub’s progress will be closely monitored, as Pakistan will undoubtedly want him fully fit and firing in the ODI format where he has truly showcased his brightest potential.

JUST IN - The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Saim Ayub has been ruled out not just for this match but for up to six weeks due to the right ankle fracture. The young opener will stay with the team for the remainder of the match before heading home once the Test concludes. This is a major blow for Pakistan, as Ayub’s absence creates a significant void at the top of the order, especially on a wicket that seemed tailor-made for his batting style. While this is far from ideal for the te

As for South Africa, the plan is clear. Pile on the runs and aim for a massive first-innings score, potentially beyond 500, to tighten their grip on the game. The Proteas will aim to capitalize on their strong foundation, while Pakistan will desperately hope to turn things around and salvage their chances of drawing or even snatching an overseas victory in South Africa - a feat that would hold immense significance. The action resumes shortly, so gear up for another thrilling day of cricket.

Pakistan had their moments of brilliance but struggled to seize control during the critical phases of Day 1. An umpire’s call decision on the very first ball of the game didn’t go their way, but the first hour showcased some promising bowling. After dismissing Markram early, Pakistan capitalized further with two quick wickets, removing Mulder and Stubbs in quick succession. However, as the day wore on, their plans seemed to falter. The short-ball strategy against Bavuma and Rickelton backfir

The South African batters were relentless, maintaining a brisk scoring rate after 80 overs on a pitch that initially felt like it had something in it but for most of the day looked to carry absolutely no demons. Although there were some edges and close calls, Bavuma and Rickelton showcased immense concentration and grit to guide their team to a commanding position with the score now reading 316/4. Aiden Markram was dismissed early in the first session. Wiaan Mulder on his comeback also fell ch

Hello and Welcome to Day 2 of the gripping second Test between South Africa and Pakistan at the picturesque Newlands in Cape Town. The opening day firmly belonged to the Proteas, who capitalized on a tricky start to end in a dominant position. Despite losing three early wickets in the first session, South Africa’s innings was stabilized by a magnificent partnership of 235 runs between skipper Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton. Both batters scored brilliant centuries, with Bavuma falling just

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

What does Saturday hold in store? Looking at the pitch, a bountiful of runs. South Africa still have some batting to come, so they will look to bat for two sessions at least and get as close to 500 as possible. Pakistan, on the other hand, will hope for a turnaround in their fortune and aim to get the home side all out under 400. The cracks might just start to appear on Day 3 and spin could come into fray, so anything above 400 could be a good score here. That's all from here then. The first b

Tough day for Pakistan. They started really well, though they did not get wickets. Could have had Aiden Markram first ball and could have struck multiple times in that first hour. Irrespective, they ended the first session well. But it was the counterattack post Lunch which took them by surprise. Eventually, the bowling started to go awry with the fielding being way beyond acceptable. The new-ball bowlers - Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza - were the only ones who showed some control while Salman

Well, that was one hero. The other hero was the skipper, Bavuma. Riding on his newly found form, he first made a strong alliance with Rickelton, coming in the midst of a mini collapse. South Africa had slipped from 61/0 to 72/3 and the team needed some stability. Bavuma provided that, coming in with a counter-attacking approach, taking Pakistan to the cleaners. His third century in 3 years in Tests lit up Newlands as his 235-run stand with Rickelton really rubbed it in for Pakistan. Bavuma woul

RYAN RICKELTON says that he is exhausted, detailing that he was feeling uneasy coming in from the previous Test. But adds that he feels really special after his mammoth innings. On his new role as an opener, Rickelton says that he practices against the new ball in the nets, so he is not shy of the challenge. On the ground at Newlands, Ryan says that it is a wonderful ground, with lush boundaries. On his game plan, RR says that the initial plan was to see off the new ball, then hold back when wi

The day belonged to one of two men - Ryan Rickelton. In a team score of 316, he has finished unbeaten on 176, which accounts for almost 60 percent of the team score. He got good support from his skipper Bavuma, but to be honest, Rickelton looked way out of the lot in that tough opening session. He saw off the shine off the new ball and later, when Pakistan threatened to come back around Lunch, he hung around, patiently eating up deliveries, waiting for the phase to pass, before opening up post L

There was a bit of an intriguing event just before that last ball. There are two clocks on the ground, with both showing different times. Shan Masood just clarified which watch are the umpires checking and Kumar Dharmasena said, his own personal watch. And he also gave a clear signal, before the final ball, that there will not be any more play post the final ball and it ends a wonderful day for South Africa. Started well, probably did not end it that well, given that Temba Bavuma fell in the d

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, solidly defended towards cover. STUMPS ON DAY 1, SH AFRICA ARE 316/4!

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Down the leg side, Bedingham flicks it through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Full and just around off, David Bedingham gets across and defends.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Goes very full, on off does Abbas, Bedingham brings out the drive but can't thread it past mid off to his right. 

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Fuller than a good length, at the stumps, David Bedingham taps it to mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and slanting into the pads, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep square leg for one. 

Since taking over as captain, Bavuma has scored three of his four Test hundreds and averages 57.78.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, On middle and leg, turned behind square leg for a run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to David Bedingham, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full again, just around off, Rickelton cuts it to the right of cover for a single.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton cracks his drive straight to cover.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, the second Zimbabwe-Afghanistan match is taking a quick turn. After making 243 in response to Afghanistan's 157, gaining a lead of 86 runs, the hosts have struck thrice before Stumps on Day 2, reducing the visitors to 46/3. The touring side is still in arrears by 40 runs and looking at how the pitch is playing, Saturday might be the final day in that match.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A length ball, but down the leg side. Ryan helps it towards fine leg for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, comes slowly off the deck, Rickelton is a touch early into the shot and nearly checks it, pushing the ball towards mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton drives it towards cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and on off, Ryan Rickelton offer a solid block towards mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Angling into the left-hander from round the wicket angle, on a length, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton turns it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Full and just outside off, David Bedingham drives it to deep cover for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Starts from over the wicket and goes right at the stumps, on a fuller length, David Bedingham flicks it off his pads to mid-wicket. Oh no, Mohammad Abbas has overstepped and the third umpire calls it late. 

Mohammad Abbas comes for a final burst in the day. 14-0-46-1 so far.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to David Bedingham, 1 run.

NIghtwatchman time? Nope! Brave. David Bedingham walks out at number 6, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Out of the blue! Where did that come from?

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full and turning into the left-hander, on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton goes deep in the crease and knocks it to long on for one. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, A bit short, on off, Temba Bavuma punches it to long off for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Drifting into the stumps, on a nagging length, Temba Bavuma turns it to square leg.

Deja vu moment for Temba Bavuma. On 3rd January, 2016, Bavuma registered his maiden Test ton against England, at this very same venue. The second ton took a while to come, 7 years later, but he has now hit a purple patch, getting 3 centuries in the last 3 years. Especially, since his return from the elbow injury.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! CREAMED! Well, it went just over a leaping fielder at mid-wicket but that was struck really hard. And we are not done yet, because it has been called as a NO BALL for overstepping by the third umpire!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, Ryan Rickelton jabs it towards mid on.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards point for a single to bring up 300 ON THE BOARD FOR SH AFRICA! And we are still 20-odd minutes away from the close of play. Remember - they were 72/3 at Lunch. That's 228 runs in the next 52-odd overs. Without losing a wicket.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton crisps his cut shot to deep point for one more. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it in front of point and steals a quick run. 

Will it be Ghulam from this end? 5 overs left for the second new ball. 25 minutes left in the day. A quick burst of spin could see those 5 overs being bowled inside 20 minutes. Worth a gamble. Nope, Jamal continues.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Shouts of 'catch it' but lands very safely. Back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma pulls it aerially to the left of deep fine leg and gets two runs.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Arrowed in on middle, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to the leg side.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a long way across and defends.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Pulls the length marginally does Agha, on middle, Temba Bavuma pushes it out off the back foot.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Tossed up, on off, Ryan Rickelton drives it to deep cover for a single.

Spin again.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, A solid defense this time! Hard length, around middle, coming in, Temba Bavuma opens up and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, BEATEN! Good length, outside off, angling away, from over the stumps, Temba Bavuma goes for a punch shot from the back foot but gets beaten on the outside edge. A loose shot after completing his hundred! 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, WIDE! Hits the deck hard, A bouncer above the head and it has been called a wide for height.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full, around off, from around the wicket, coming in, Ryan Rickelton guides it wide of point for a single to get off the strike. 

What a knock from the skipper. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, HUNDRED FOR THE PROTEAS SKIPPER, TEMBA BAVUMA! His 4th Test century, and what a knock it has been!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Very full, on leg, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep fine for a single and gets Temba Bavuma back on strike.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma pulls it to deep square leg and crosses to get to 99 runs. The crowd are on their feet now! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton punches it off the back foot to mid off.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, outside off, angling in, from around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton defends it to cover off the front foot.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, outside off, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton drives it wide of cover. Shan Masood gives it a chase and they take a couple of runs. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Gets the line closer to the off-stump and drags the length down by a fair bit, Ryan Rickelton taps it to the right of the bowler. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Keeps it full again, outside off, Ryan Rickelton frees his arms and cracks his drive but still finds the fielder at cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Very full, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton drives it well but can't beat cover. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma defends it off the front foot. He will have to wait for his hundred!

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma clips it down in front of deep square leg and takes a single. Moves to 98 now!

Some issue with the ball now. Seems like the leather is wearing off. The camera did not pan on the face but it seemed like it was Babar Azam who brought up the issue. By the looks of it, it seems like the seam might have got split. Out comes the fourth umpire with a box of replacement balls. And in the meanwhile, the players help themselves with some drinks. Temba Bavuma is still struggling with his left elbow, the same injury which had kept him out for a while till November. All set to resume

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Four!

It will be interesting what do South Africa think is a good score here. Should they up the run rate and rub it in even more for Pakistan? They definitely are in a good position but as Geoffrey Boycott used to say - 'Never look at a score in the present. Always add 2 wickets with a few runs to that score and then recheck'. If the pitch is indeed becoming better to bat on with time progressing, will South Africa need that longer a time to pick up 20 wickets? Alternatively, do they believe that b

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Ends with a single! Good length, outside off, Temba Bavuma cuts it off the back foot wide of point and retains the strike.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, around middle, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, angling into the body of Rickelton. He dabs it to mid-wicket. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Angling in, on off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton knocks it to mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, over off, Temba Bavuma hops back and cuts it to deep point for a single. Moves to 92 does Bavuma!

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, around off, seaming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of point and runs off for a quick single to end the over. He moves to 91 now.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller, slower in pace, around off, Temba Bavuma defends it with the full face of the bat back to the bowler.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around off, coming in, from around the stump, Temba Bavuma keeps it down off the front foot.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, At the stumps, fuller in length, Bavuma taps it to mid on.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Charges at the stumps, on a fuller length, with not much of bounce off the deck, Temba Bavuma turns it around to mid on.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to point.

Meanwhile, a bit of a sad news coming from Down Under. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! JUST WOW! He is watching this cricket ball as a football one for sure! 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, slow in pace, Temba Bavuma dabs it wide of point and takes a single. 200 runs partnership has come for these batters.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma tries to play with the cross bat and gets through the bottom part to cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Around off, on a good length, Temba Bavuma pats it towards cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, A length ball, around middle, angling down, Ryan Rickelton helps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Ends with a dot! On a length, around off and middle, Temba Bavuma comes forward and defends it to cover to end the over.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, around off, coming in, Temba Bavuma blocks it with ease.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, swinging in, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

DRINKS BREAK. A little delayed, as this is a long session. So in a 150-minute session, either the umpires have two Drinks breaks after 50 minutes each, or go for one single break, after 75 minutes, depending on how hot the conditions are. Recently, in the MCG Test between Australia and India, the umpires were scheduling for two Drinks breaks in every session. Not here though, the conditions are very pleasant to play cricket and the viewing too, unless you are supporting Pakistan. The ocean of ru

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length back, around middle, coming in, Ryan Rickelton helps it to deep fine leg for a single to end the over. The umpire has called on for drinks now!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fullers this time, around middle and leg, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton presents the full face of the bat and drives it to mid on. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On middle and leg, pushed towards mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Ooohhh... nearly.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! AWESOME! Both, the shot and the innings. 150 UP FOR RYAN RICKELTON! In just 190 balls, studded with 19 fours and 1 six. And if my memory serves me correctly, only two miscued shots. The rest were all pleasing to the eye. And he is not done yet. Overpitched by Khurram, outside off, Rickelton comes forward, leans and drives it through the covers. Shan Masood gives it a valiant chase to his right from mid off and dives, but after the ball reaches the

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the deck hard, short ball, above the shoulders, around off, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down to deep square leg for a single to retain the strike. He moves to 148 now.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Changes his line to leg, similar length, seaming in, Temba Bavuma helps it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around off, from around the wicket, angling in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of cover. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, seems way off pace, outside off, Bavuma comes forward and defends. That was barely 125 kph. Pakistan are looking tired now.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Around off, solidly defended.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, from around the wicket, Temba Bavuma stays back and pats it towards point.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Ends with a single! 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, ! SLASHED! Hard length, wide outside off, angling away, Temba Bavuma gets the width and he cashes on it nicely as he cuts it hard off the back foot wide of deep point for a boundary.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around off, seaming in, Temba Bavuma looks to defend it with the full face of the bat but gets through the outer half of the blade to cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, A bit uppish, but safe. A short ball, around off, the skipper goes for the pull but does not fully commit into the shot. Tries to help it around the corner but gets a bit of a top edge. The ball lands well wide of deep backward square leg, to his left and by the time he gets to the ball, a couple of runs are taken.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Around middle and leg, Bavuma clips it again, but finds short mid-wicket once more.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Full, around middle, Temba Bavuma flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Double change?

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full, again, around off, Ryan Rickelton drives it to mid off to end the over. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, just outside off, from over the wicket, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down with ease.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller now, pushed to mid on once again.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza comes on from Aamer Jamal's end. 11-1-43-0 so far for the left-arm seamer.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, cutting back in, Ryan Rickelton defends.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, punched straight to cover.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Into the stumps, fuller and coming on with the arm, Ryan Rickelton knocks it to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Short and on middle, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma hangs back and steers it past slip for a couple of runs. Brings up the 250 runs for South Africa!

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe have eventually been bowled out for 243, getting a lead of 86 runs in the first innings against Afghanistan. The innings revolved around their age-old three musketeers - skipper Craig Ervine (75), Sikandar Raza (61) and Sean Williams (49) with only two others managing to reach double digits. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan picked up 4 wickets while fast bowler Yamin Ahmadzai picked up 3. We roughly have an hour's play left there, so the hosts will aim for 2-3 wicket

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! CRASH! This lad is simply loving it now.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! Some innovative shots on display now. Another short ball, around off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton leaps and punches it through the covers, for a boundary. The stand moves to 171.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Short again from Aamer Jamal, over off, Ryan Rickelton miscues his pull to square leg where Babar Azam fails to cling on to the ball cleanly but makes sure not to concede a single.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! Woah, not a conventional shot from Ryan Rickelton, but nicely done! Short and outside off, Ryan Rickelton hops back and swats it off the lower half of his bat through mid off for a boundary. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Short of a length, on middle, Ryan Rickelton nails the pull straight to square leg again. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Slower through the air, around middle and leg, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! CRACK! He loves facing spin, doesn't he?

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, A bit quicker on this occasion, full on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Slower through the air, full and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma blocks. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to point. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, TOP EDGE, ! A rare shot in anger by the young lad and it has gone nowhere near where he wanted it to, but it still gives him runs. Might as well visit a casino after Stumps.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, A short ball again, outside off, the skipper hops and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, A short ball again, angling away, Ryan Rickelton jumps and punches it behind point. There seemed to be an easy two with deep third having a lot of real estate to cover to his left, but one suspects that Temba Bavuma does not want to stretch his hamstring. In fact, even before the single was completed, Bavuma yelled out a loud no to his partner.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good shot and even better effort in the field!

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma leans a bit and drives it to deep point for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Length, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma stays in the crease and turns it to mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Thrown up, outside off, Ryan lashes out the cover drive but find cover.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Slower through the air, a bit of turn from leg stump, but Rickelton smothers it.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, Ryan Rickelton defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Pitched up, on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. This also brings up the 150-run stand between these two batters. Cruising along nicely!

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Looped on leg, fuller in length, Temba Bavuma turns it to mid-wicket where Shan Masood fails to collect the ball cleanly allowing the batters a single. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on middle, Bavuma lunges and pats it to cover.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, around off, Temba Bavuma gets across and nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, First real loose shot from a batter today. Or at least, in this partnership. Pakistan are looking to persist with the short ball ploy and Jamal gets it well above the shoulder, down the leg side. Ryan Rickelton looks to pull but misses. Nearly gloves it to the keeper behind.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, on middle and leg, coming in with the angle, Temba Bavuma clips it off his pads behind square on the leg side for one.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to mid on.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, over off, Temba Bavuma lets it pass as he half ducks under it. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, around middle, Bavuma pushes this down to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! 'NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI' goes Mohammad Rizwan on the stump mic. We all know what that means.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Keeps the length full and gives the ball some more air, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it to mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on off, Temba Bavuma lunges to block.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Tosses it nicely, on off, fuller in length, Ryan Rickelton drives it to long off for a single.

Tough situation to be in, if you are Shan Masood right now. Should you curtail the runs or risk leaking boundaries, by keeping the field up, in pursuit of wickets? Deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, deep backward square leg and fine leg were in place in that previous Jamal over. It all depends on opining whether the glass is half full or half empty. Possibly, Masood has kept that field for Bavuma, as the latter likes to go for the pull and hook. But that also allows easy singles and rotation of

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller this time, around middle, seaming in, Temba Bavuma comes forward and tucks it to mid on for no run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, from over the wicket, coming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it to gully off the front foot. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma dabs it to short third.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, On a short of a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton swivels back, rolls his wrists on the ball and pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Full and on off, Temba Bavuma taps it to backward point and jogs to the other end. 

Meanwhile, it is good news from Bulawayo. We thought that will be it for the day, but the rain has come and gone and play has resumed on Day 2, with 34 overs still left in the day. Zimbabwe are 222/8, leading by 65 runs against Afghanistan. Oh dear, but it is bad news from Cape Town.  After hitting that six, Temba Bavuma immediately called for the physio, to take a look at his left hamstring. He was limping instantly after that shot and is still huffing and puffing, just stretching his right l

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! DOWN THE GROUND! What a timing on this one! 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full outside off, Temba Bavuma comes down the track to defend it.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length down by a bit and keeps it at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to deep cover for one more.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 200 up for South Africa!

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton drives it to long off for a single.

How good has this Test cycle 2023-25 been for South Africa? Ryan Rickelton's century becomes the 12th instance of a century from the rainbow nation, in the 12th match. In the previous two WTC cycles (2019-21 and 2021-23), they played a total of 28 Tests, but managed just 10 centuries! The future looks really, really exciting for the Saffas.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Full around off, from over the wicket, seaming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of cover and runs off for a quick single but is sent back by Ryan Rickelton.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the deck hard, short ball, around middle, above the shoulders, Ryan Rickelton pulls it along the ground to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the front foot. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! Easy pickings this for Rickelton! 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Very similar to the last one, very full and charging in at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton drives but cant get it past mid on. 

Interesting. We all know that Test records get added in First-class records. Adding this century, Ryan Rickelton now has more centuries than 50s in First-class cricket!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it straight onto the stumps, very full, Ryan Rickelton drives it straight to mid on. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Drags his length, around middle, turning in, Temba Bavuma tucks it to square leg off the back foot to end the over.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, A solid defense after coming down the track on this full ball, just outside off.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Comes from over the wicket and keeps it nice and full, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma goes deep in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton pulls it along the ground wide of deep fine leg for a couple of runs. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets room to cut it off the back foot wide of deep point for a single.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, wide outside off, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton works it wide of point with ease for a single to get off the strike.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Goes full and at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton blocks it down the deck. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Length, over off, Ryan Rickelton waits back and punches it wide of mid off for a couple of runs. 

Aamer Jamal will bowl from the other end. 6-0-27-0 so far.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Starts from around the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a length, over off, Ryan Rickelton punches it down the strip, back to the bowler. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Flighted full, outside off, Temba Bavuma comes down the track and drives it to mid off. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, around middle and off, Temba Bavuma gets a good stride out and blocks.

Welcome back for the final session. A yawning 40 overs left in the day's play. 40, that's correct! We have barely had any stoppage in play, including the time lost to take Saim Ayub off the field and bring in a replacement helmet for Temba Bavuma. It might sound as a reason, but having 4 fast bowlers cannot be an excuse for bowling only 50 overs in two sessions. Only 9 overs of spin have been used but in reality, they are lacking a proper spinner. Salman Agha to start proceedings post Tea. 8

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Darts the first one full, on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it back to the bowler. 

... DAY 1, FINAL SESSION ...

Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, the hosts have reached 220/8 in response to Afghanistan's 157 on the second day of the second Test in Bulawayo. After losing their first 4 wickets for 41, the hosts restored faith through Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine, only to slip again from 112/4 to 147/7. However, a 73-run stand between Sean Williams and Craig Ervine has taken the hosts past the 50-run lead. Rashid Khan has been the tormentor in chief, with 3 wickets and will aim to finish this innings quickly now, pr

Perfect planning for South Africa. They counterattacked but it was not like a Sam Konstas show. It was proper, technically correct, Test cricket. Ryan Rickelton is looking a million dollars today while Temba Bavuma continues his new-found form, reaching his 5th 50-plus score, in last 7 innings in Tests. If Pakistan continue to bowl the way they did in the second session, anticipating roughly 30 overs in the final session, the Proteas could be looking to end the day with 300 on the board. Th

One still feels that this is not a pitch where a new batter can come in and score runs at will. So Pakistan will have to believe that 184/3 can become 200/5 and eventually 250 all out. Because if they don't, the 150-minute session is going to be nothing short of a leather-chasing one. With the over rate so appalling that we have managed only 50 overs in 4 hours, we will definitely go into the extended half hour. But still, we could finish with as many as 8 or 7 overs short.

Nothing has changed. The pitch is still the same, the batters are also the same and so are the bowlers. But the mindset has changed. Pakistan bowled tight lines in the opening session and got the ball to talk. Accordingly, the Proteas gave respect, but also fell into a shell. Come the second session, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma started to counterattack and all of a sudden, the visitors lost their lines and lengths, with the result for everyone to see.

Magnificent session for South Africa. 112/0 in 27.1 overs. Complete contrast to how the first session went, where batting seemed difficult. The hosts came out, looked to counterattack and Pakistan have fallen flat on their back side.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, A little bit quicker, on middle, TB flicks it straight to short mid-wicket. TEA ON DAY 1, SH AFRICA ARE 184/3!

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, Slower again, around off, Temba comes forward and smothers the ball.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Kamran Ghulam to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, On the pads, Bavuma comes forward and drives it through mid off for a single. Well, the third umpire does not like the landing. NO BALL signalled for Ghulam's overstepping.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, Down the leg side, Temba Bavuma pats it down.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, spinning away, left alone.

Well, we might have another over before Tea. The clock has not ticked past 3.10 pm in Cape Town.

Final ball before Tea? Abbas is definitely trying to ensure it might be. Taking an age to bowl this last ball.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Good length again, around off, Ryan dabs it towards the off side.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, Rickelton stays back and blocks.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, on a good length, Ryan Rickelton punches it towards mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A short ball, angling in, tucked towards short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, 50 FOR BAVUMA! Job easily done.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, Temba Bavuma drives it straight back, where the bowler stops to his right. There is a silly mid on in place as well.

Around 5 minutes for Tea. Will Bavuma get to 50 before the break? Not that it will matter to him whether he gets it now or later.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Finally a slower ball. Tossed up, around middle, but RR is calm enough to block it out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Another missile, from around the wicket, on middle, Ryan defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Arrowed on the pads, Rickelton stabs it towards the leg side.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker, around off, Ryan Rickelton punches it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, around off, Temba Bavuma works it towards long on for a single, to move to 49. 7 minutes to go to Tea.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off and middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket to end the over.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, from around the stumps, just outside off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma dabs it wide of point and takes a single. He moves to 48 gradually as all eyes have been on Rickelton. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Short and over middle and off, Bavuma sways away. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Full and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma opens the bat face just a bit and with very soft hands guides it to deep third for a couple of runs. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, into the stumps, Rickelton clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, around off, turning in, Temba Bavuma keeps it back to the bowler to end the over and gives back the strike to the centurion. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, On a nagging length, outside off, turning away, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to sweeper cover and takes a single to get off the strike. 

The entire crowd is on its feet.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, AND HUNDRED FOR RYAN RICKELTON! 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Floats it up, nice and full, on off, Ryan Rickelton eases his drive back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Focus on Rickelton again. He is on 99 and has got a full over to try and get to that milestone.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Slightly fuller than the previous one, around off, coming in, Temba Bavuma blocks it off the front foot. Ryan Rickelton will be on the strike in the next over.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, The slip has out! On a good length again, around off, seaming in, Temba Bavuma keeps it down from the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, from over the wicket, Temba Bavuma comes forward to defend it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls over to mid-wicket. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Angling in, very full and on leg, Bavuma flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a good length, at the stumps, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, on middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to cover. 

Right then. Anticipation building. Ryan Rickelton is on 99. Will Shan Masood crowd men around his bat? The field does come in. But just a slip and short leg at close in, for the catch.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No, he will take another bowl to reach his hundred! Flighted full, around off, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton moves forward and defends it with the full face of the bat. The wait continues! 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full and on middle and off, Temba Bavuma lunges and keeps it out.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Floats it up, on off, Temba Bavuma steers it to cover-point.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, ! SLASHED! Moves to 99! 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and defends it with the straight bat.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the back foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length down by a bit and keeps it on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it into the off-stump line, from wider on the crease, on a fuller length, Ryan Rickelton is solid in his defence. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller in length, on off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it right under his eyes.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, around off, turning in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the back foot.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Slows it up and keeps it full, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma leans on and defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Pitched up, around off and turning away a bit, Ryan Rickelton watches the ball closely and opts to let it pass. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, ! Temba Bavuma is playing straightly and well! Goes fuller, around middle, from over the stump, coming in, Temba Bavuma transfers his weight onto the front foot and plays a on drive to the left of mid on for a boundary. He in into the 40s now.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, from over the stump, around off, Temba Bavuma works it to cover with ease.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Lands it on a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma blocks off the back foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from wider on the crease and digs it in short, over middle, Ryan Rickelton pulls it all along the ground to deep square leg for a single. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Keeps it short, but onto the leg stump now, turning in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it wide of square leg for a single to retain the strike. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Comes around the wicket, short around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the back foot.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Flighted full, around off, Temba Bavuma comes forward and clips it down the ground to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full again, just around off stump, Temba Bavuma blocks it to cover.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Double change. Salman Agha returns. 3-0-3-1 so far.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tosses it up, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma opens the face of the bat and guides it wide of point for a single with soft hands. He will retain the strike. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around leg, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A solid defense! Good length, around off, angling in, from around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton defends it with the straight bat right under his eyes.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, this time Rickelton gets across and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas has been brought back on. 8-0-27-1 so far.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Full and just outside off, Temba Bavuma just taps it towards the off side. Seeing cover and point pretty deep, he calls Rickelton through and the single is easily completed. One cannot guage the frustration in Abbas' mind. There was never a single on that ball.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Four!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! A misfield and a boundary for Ryan! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full and just around off, Ryan Rickelton taps it to the leg side.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, this time Bavuma puts bat to ball, punching it through cover-point for a single. The stand moves to 70 (87).

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Temba Bavuma knows where his off stump is and lets the ball go, assuredly.

DRINKS BREAK. Don't really know what to expect from Pakistan. They were looking down and out before the first Drinks break, but suddenly had a rocking second hour. Then, with all the momentum in their favour heading into the Lunch break, they have come out and dished out some really innocuous stuff. They have conceded 69 runs in this hour, in 14.1 oveers - which is just 3 shy of the entire quota conceded in the opening session! This pitch is tricky to bat on but it is equally tricky for bowlers

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Two again but to the left of Aamer Jamal this time! 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Much fuller, around middle, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton drives it to mid on off the front foot. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, ! AMAZING!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, just outside off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton defends it off the front foot to cover to end the over.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, around off, coming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of cover and runs off for a quick single.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, tapped to the off side.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, outside off, driven towards mid off.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, LEG BYES! Good length, from around the wicket, down the leg, around hips, angling in. Temba Bavuma wants to clip it but misses it as the ball kisses the pads and runs away to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Comes over the wicket now, Short of a length, just outside off, above the shoulders height, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down to square leg for a single. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 2 runs.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, on off, keeps a tad bit low off the deck but Ryan Rickelton does well to gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Short and on middle and off, sits up nicely for Rickelton. He swivels back quickly and pulls it to deep square leg for a couple of runs. This also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Full and on leg, Temba Bavuma clips it off his pads to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

After what can be described as a slow start to this year's WTC, South Africa are finding themselves in a nice groove at the moment. It is no coincidence that they have qualified for the final, with newbies taking the limelight. We might be used to the likes of the Markrams, the Bavumas and the Rabadas doing the job, but these last 12 months have been different.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, full and well outside off, Temba Bavuma sees the ball go past to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton tucks it in front of mid-wicket and gets to the other end. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Very full, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid off.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, outside off, slanting away, Bavuma shoulders arms again.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Fine shot! 10 runs off this over on return for Khurram Shahzad! Full and on off, Ryan Rickelton frees his arms and drives it straight past the bowler and beats mid off to his left. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Steams in from over the wicket and keeps it on off, on a length, Temba Bavuma steers it with deft hands to backward point for one. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a fuller length, on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton just turns it in front of deep square leg and gets a single. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton,Landed outside off, a touch wider, left alone.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! SWEET! This is almost a carbon copy of the previous shot but while that one was stopped, there is no stopping this one.

One of the key admiring factors in Ryan Rickelton's knock has been his business. He has scored 8 fours in his 63, in 92 balls. So 32 have come in 8 deliveries. But then, the remaining 31 have come in 84 balls. That might be slow but that was predominantly in that second hour before Lunch, where Rickelton saw wickets falling around him. Post Lunch, South Africa have strode out positively, scoring 30 runs in 8.5 overs thus far. Ryan himself has scored 13 (19) since the break. After a frustrating

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, Ryan Rickelton drives it through the covers but it is well stopped by the fielder.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Puts extra efforts and digs it short, over off, Temba Bavuma sways away from the firing line and lets it pass. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and well outside off, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, pushed towards mid on.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton defends.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, ! Helped on its way but not that far from Mohammad Rizwan! 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Angling into middle and off, on a back of a good length, Ryan Rickelton just nudges it on the leg side and the batter squeeze in a quick single.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, on off, Ryan Rickelton leans on and blocks it to cover.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, EDGED, ! Well, lucky for Rickelton but he deserves that luck, doesn't he? Ask that question to Jamal or Masood and let us know what they feel.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, This one does come in with the angle, outside off, Rickelton pushes it back to the bowler.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Full and just around off, seemed like the ball moved away late. Ryan Rickelton was shaping up to flick the ball through the leg side, with the ball coming in with the angle but it seemed like after pitching, the cherry held its shape a bit and almost squared the batter up. But he adjusted well to push the ball to the off side. That's why, you are never in, on this pitch.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Outside off and Bavuma is unbothered as he lets it go past him to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a fuller length, on off, Temba Bavuma stays rooted in the crease and taps it to cover. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Close call.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Over the wicket to the left-hander, on a good length, outside off, angling in, Ryan Rickelton stays back and blocks it back to Hamza.

Have to give it to Pakistan for being very disciplined for almost throughout this inning so far. They have conceded 13 boundaries, but barring 2 or 3, the rest have been due to good batting, rather than loose bowling. Not to forget the fact - we are done with 28 overs - but the visitors have not conceded a single extra. Not even a leg bye. If any, it is the over rate which is a concern. Sadly, with Pakistan not in the reckoning for the WTC final, docked points due to slow over rate or even mon

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, from around the wicket, around off, Temba Bavuma comes forward to defend but the ball arrows in and scoots off the inner half of the bat through short leg. A single taken.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hit the deck kind of a delivery, on middle and leg, on a length, Ryan Rickelton turns it down on the leg side. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the wicket and goes very full, on off, Ryan Rickelton firms his drive but straight to mid off.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of square leg and scampers across for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller this time, just outside off, seaming away, Temba Bavuma comes forward and drives it to cover for no run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, from over the wicket, just outside off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton guides it wide of gully for a single to start the over. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and the batters look to squeeze in a quick single but decide against it and rightfully so. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Pushes this one through, fuller and outside off, Temba Bavuma gets closer to the line and covers his stumps before making a leave. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, on middle, Temba Bavuma works it straight to mid on. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it wide of square leg for a single and gets off the strike.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

A bit surprising to be honest, to see the same bowling pair - Jamal and Agha - to operate after Lunch. Whenever there is such a big break, there is always a window of opportunity for wickets. The batters need some time to get themselves adjusted to the conditions - even the set batters - at least for an over or two and that's where Pakistan might have missed a mark. Maybe, the combination could have been that of Abbas and Khurram, at least for the first 10-15 minutes.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton cuts it with an angled bat towards deep third for a single.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Attacks the stumps, on a tight length, Bavuma just nudges it with soft hands to cover-point region for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Drags his length this time, around middle, angling in, Temba Bavuma clips it off the back foot now for a couple of runs to deep square leg.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, outside off, angling away, from around the wickets, Ryan Rickelton opens up the face of the bat lately and guides it to deep point for a single to start the over. He is continuously rotating the striker very neatly. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, right at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Darts it full, on leg, Temba Bavuma looks to flick it off his pads but misses out. The ball thuds him low on the back pad.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Very full, on middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, On a nagging length, around leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it off the back foot to square leg for a single.

Hmmm... something definitely has happened in that hour prior to Lunch, especially after that Drinks break. South Africa were 52/0 in the first hour but managed only 20/3 in the next. Adding further, Ryan Rickelton was on 36 (41) at Drinks. In the next hour, he managed just 14 (32). Natalie Germanos on air informs us that Rickelton spent 27 deliveries in the 40s! He was on 40 (46) but reached the 50-mark only on the 73rd ball. So maybe, there was something definitely happening.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Keeps the line tighter and angles it in, on middle and leg, on a length, Temba Bavuma tucks it across to the leg side.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, ! Soft hands to get off the mark! On a length, around middle and off, Temba Bavuma waits for the ball to arrive and opens the bat face a bit to just tap it through the gully region for a boundary.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Angling into the batter, on a back of a length, Temba Bavuma gently dabs it down the deck. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, around middle and leg, angling in, the ball climbs onto the batter. Temba Bavuma looks to keep it down but gets through the gloves. No harm is done! 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it wide of mid on and takes a single to start the over.

Who will it be?

Welcome back. We have had a tour around the world and finally headed back home, to see skipper Temba Bavuma come out to bat with a new bat sponsor, as per Shaun Pollock on air.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

We talked about sluggish cricket. It seems like this new year is going to see a start of sluggish batting, especially in Tests. This current South Africa-Pakistan Test is on those lines, while the neighbours of both countries are involved in another slow tussle. Interestingly, the 5th and final Test match between Australia and India in Sydney could also be bordering on the same lines. For now, the world might just rule out India's 185 as a sub-par score but that pitch certainly did not seem like

Just peeping over in the neighbourhood, after a high-scoring draw in the first Test, the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is making for some compulsive viewing in Bulawayo. It might seem sluggish, but a great contest is ensuing between bat and ball. After being bowled out for 157, Afghanistan struck back this morning to have the hosts reduced to 41/4, but since then, Sikandar Raza and skipper Craig Ervine have arrested the slide. They are currently in a stand of 70, taking the score

Quite a bit of a chatter in the Pakistan camp, about where the slip fielders should be or should have been standing. Quite a few edges fell short and it is but natural for fast bowlers or viewers to demand the fielders to come forward. But it is not all that easy. Whenever the slips are positioned, they follow the wicketkeeper. The keeper takes his mark and the first slip then stands BEHIND him. Then, accordingly, the second slip fielder stands ahead of him, almost parallel to where the keeper

Disappointing time for South Africa in the dressing room, but it has just been one session. This does not look like a pitch which is going to yield 400-500 runs, so 300 should be a good total on this surface. Add to the fact that a new batter is not going to find it easy, maybe, we may not see too many half centurions. Instead, we could see batters score between 25 and 40 and then get out. In that case, the home side needs to aim towards building on partnerships. If Ryan Rickelton gets good su

It will be a very happy Azhar Mahmood for now, in that Pakistan dressing room, their bowling coach. But he would certainly not happy with what transpired before those three wickets fell. Abbas could have had Markram on the first ball of the match, only for Nitin Menon to disagree and quite a few edges questioned the positioning of the slip fielders. In short, the home side could have easily been 5 or 6 down by Lunch. The other thing - if Saim Ayub's scans return a ligament tear or a fracture of

That's where Ryan Rickelton's knock turns out to be a supreme one. The conditions may not seem so, but they definitely have been challenging. However, he seems to be batting on a completely different surface. He is striking at around 70 while the others have not even touched 50. The Proteas still have some batting to come but if Pakistan can work on the fact that it is not easy to score for a new batter and keep building up the dots, eventually, they might string up a collapse.

Building on the previous para, hard to fathom what just happened in those last 30-40 minutes. It is not as if Pakistan found some zip in their bowling or the pitch started to play some tricks. South Africa were coasting along at 61/0 but then, in a flash, they find 3 batters back in the pavilion. A close look at the scorecard tells you one more thing. Barring Ryan Rickelton, no one has looked at ease on this pitch. Markram was involved in a 61-run opening stand but he was a shy of his old sel

Just the kind of pitch which will suit the slower bowlers. Maybe, it is a blessing in disguise for Pakistan that Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are not playing in this game, as both clock above 140 kph and pace could be a bowler's enemy on this deck. It seems more like a subcontinental pitch, where you just hone in on the right line and length as consistently as possible and try to wear the batters' patience out. To their credit, Pakistan's bowlers have been reasonably good, barring the one-odd

Well, well, well - what a wonderful last 40-odd minutes or so for Pakistan. They could have had a couple of wickets with the new ball, but could not and were seemingly looking flat, especially in the field. They even dropped a catch after Drinks. But suddenly, Khurram Shahzad got the opening and the home side, from being in a dominant position, have slipped down to a precarious one at the break.

Salman Agha to Tristan Stubbs, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Spin does strike for Pakistan! Nothing really special though about this delivery but Pakistan will not mind. They will head towards that dressing room with much more comfort as LUNCH HAS BEEN CALLED FOR. This was delivered with the arm, outside off, but Stubbs chose to poke at it, trying to read it from the pitch. All he manages is a thick outside edge to the keeper where Mohammad Rizwan makes no mistake. Third catch for him, being involv

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 50 FOR RYAN RICKELTON!

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Although Mohammad Abbas is a stump-to-stump bowler, Ramiz Raja on air opines that this is not a pitch where targetting the stumps will yield results. He reckons that perhaps targetting the 6th or 7th stump outside off will help produce wickets as the bounce is a bit tentative in that area.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and wider outside off, Tristan gets across and shoulders arms.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length wide outside off, Tristan Stubbs shoulders arms.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length again, but this time from over the stumps, around middle, coming in, Tristan Stubbs blocks it right under his eyes. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, A quick single! Hard length, around middle, nips back in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to mid on and runs off for a single. The fielder takes an aim to throw at the non striker's end but misses it. No harm is done!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, around off and middle, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket with ease.

Mohammad Abbas to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Any Lunch watchman, if there is any such term? Nope. Tristan Stubbs walks out at number 4, replacing Wiaan Mulder.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! The machine strikes in his second spell, with around 10 minutes to go for Lunch. Mulder's return to the side is not a fruitful one.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Full, just outside off, Wiaan Mulder gets across and defends it towards point.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, around middle and leg, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it wide of mid on for a quick single. He moves to 48 now.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A sold defense to start the over! Good length, just outside off, from around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the front foot. 

Interestingly. after that latest missed opportunity in the 18th over, Khurram Shahzad asked his slip fielders to come a foot or two ahead. But they cannot move unless the keeper does so! Is Mohammad Rizwan not comfortable enough to gather the balls by coming forward?

Aamer Jamal to Wiaan Mulder, Sloppy. And it is the same guy who shelled Aiden Markram before Drinks - the substitute, Abdullah Shafique. On a length, outside off, Mulder punched it through the covers, straight to Shafique.

Aamer Jamal to Wiaan Mulder, Full and straight, Wiaan Mulder comes forward and defends it towards mid off.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Full, angling into the pads, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and defends it with the full face of the bat. Three dots in a row!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, A yorker, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton digs it out to mid on for no run. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the wicket, good length, outside off, angling in, Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms to let it go. 

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, a touch wide, left alone.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller, around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, ! Fine shot.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Drags his length, just outside off, Wiaan Mulder goes on the back foot and guides it to point. 

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Full around off, from over the stumps, coming in, Wiaan Mulder blocks it off the front foot. 

Kass Naidoo on air informs us that this current unit of South Africa has won 6 Tests on the trot, one win away from equalling the legendary Graeme Smith's unit of 2012-13, who had managed 7 on the trot. The most wins in succession in Tests for the Proteas has been 9, way back in 2002, also under Biff. Only difference - he was in infancy under captaincy at that time.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller and just around off, solidly defended by Rickelton.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, watchfully defended.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! That's one is a regulation!

How time changes everything. The last time South Africa played a Test at Newlands, which was a year ago, they batted first and were bowled out for 55. Today, their opening wicket fell on 61. More on that wicket - just before that dismissal, on 15.1, Ryan Rickelton had helped one through square leg and settled for the single. But then, there was a fumble and Rickelton was eager to take the second, only for Markram to say NO. The next thing everyone knows, no more of Markram in this innings. He

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, Honing in at the stumps, on a fuller length, Wiaan Mulder blocks it back to the bowler. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, Full again, on middle and leg, Wiaan Mulder taps it to the right of square leg and looks to sneak in a single but is sent back by Rickelton. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller than a length, into the pads, Wiaan Mulder gets his bat in front and tucks it to square leg. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, A confident defense! Good length, around off, Wiaan Mulder draws his front leg forward and blocks it right under his eyes. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Meanwhile, news is coming from the Pakistan camp that Saim Ayub has been sent to the hospital for a suspected twist in his right ankle. That's really bad news. Because looking at him when he got that injury, Ayub was not even able to stand properly. So that might just rule him out of this Test completely, unless he manages to recover a bit to at least be able to bat. Given that he is an opener as well, that will hurt Pakistan big time as A - they will have to reshuffle their batting order and

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, End of a successful over from Khurram Shahzad! Full and on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton offers a solid front foot block. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Short of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton ducks under it. 

Khurram Shahzad to Wiaan Mulder, Angling into the stumps, on a length, Wiaan Mulder turns it around in front of square leg and gets a single to go off the mark. 

Khurram Shahzad to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Wiaan Mulder walks in at number 3, replacing Aiden Markram.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, ! GONE! An appeal for the caught behind and the umpire has raised his finger! He walks off! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, down the leg, around hips, Ryan Rickelton helps it to deep fine leg for a single to start the over. 

Vernon Philander on air opines that before the day's play, the groundstaff trimmed the grass on the wicket. Maybe, that's why some of the balls are sitting up on the surface and coming a tad late, while the edges are dying short of the slip cordon. What that also could indicate is - once the ball gets older, close-in fielders might come into play - like a short mid-wicket, or a short cover. Spin could play a key role in the days to come if the sun keeps beating down hard on the pitch.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Goes full and outside off, Ryan Rickelton leans on and just nudges it to mid off and calls for a quick single. The fielder tries to hit the stumps at the bowling end but misses. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton gets closer to the line and taps it to cover.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton punches it to mid off.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Easy twos! Hard length, wide outside off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton gets enough room to free his arms as he slices it nicely wide of point for a couple of runs. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! WHAT A TIMING! Much fuller, around middle and leg, from over the stumps, seaming in. Ryan Rickelton comes forward and flicks it off the front foot to the right of mid on for a boundary to start the over. He is into 40s now.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Oh dear, A chance has been by Abdullah Shafique! 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Digs it in short and over middle and leg, Aiden Markram ducks underneath to let it pass. 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, On a good length, just in and around that off-stump line, Aiden Markram taps it down the deck. 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Full again, angling into the pads, Aiden Markram flicks it to mid on off the front foot.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Goes fuller this time, around off and middle, seaming in, Aiden Markram comes forward and blocks it comfortably.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Starts with a back-of-a-length ball, around off, the ball rides on the bounce, Aiden Markram presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Very surprised to see Pakistan not move their slip fielders around. We have seen around 3-4 edges not carrying to the slip cordon. It is not necessarily that the pitch being slow could be the reason, but it could be one of the reasons. However, the other thing is that with no Shaheen or Naseem, Pakistan are missing bowlers who can touch the 140 kmph mark. So in such cases, it is the duty of the keeper to move ahead a couple of steps. Accordingly, the slip cordon will respond.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length down by a bit and continues to charge at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton clips it to mid-wicket. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Very full again, but down leg, Ryan Rickelton misses out on cashing in as he plays inside the line and the ball zips through to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Goes full and attacks the stumps does Hamza, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to mid on. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Similar length, around middle, seaming in, Aiden Markram hops up and clips it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, First ball after the drinks! Good length, around off, from over the stumps, Aiden Markram keeps it down with ease off the front foot.

DRINKS BREAK. South Africa's hour, without a doubt. But it could have been so much different had that first ball decision been otherwise and the slip cordon had been a bit more improvising. Mohammad Abbas could have got a wicket on the very first ball of the match of Aiden Markram, but it wasn't to be. There were further chances created but the edges have been dying short of the slip cordon. South Africa have been patient, understanding that in the first hour, the new ball will do its stuff.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, angling in a bit, off a length, Ryan Rickelton watches the ball closely and opts to let it go past at the very end. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Not very convincing but that boundary brings the 50-run stand between this new opening pair! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Gets the gap this time. He tried once in Khurram's previous over but it got stopped. A back of a length, outside off, Rickelton stays back, opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point. The ball races away. Moves to 32 (38).

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller and straighter, Ryan Rickelton pushes it towards mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just around off, watchfully defended.

25. That's the number of overs in succession that Mohammad Abbas has bowled, adding to his 19 in the second innings of that opening Test. Remember a Test match where Sajid Khan seemed to bowl for an eternity - 28 or 30 overs at a stretch, something like that - but that was in an inning alone. Think it was against England recently.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Back of a good length, on middle and off, Aiden Markram blocks it to mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Edged and falls short of slip again! That's the second time the ball hasn't carried to the slip cordon. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Hits the length right, just in and around that off-stump line, Aiden Markram taps it to cover. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A bit too straight now.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A shorter ball, punched to the off side.

No Naseem? For those wondering as to why has Naseem Shah been rested, the word from the Pakistan camp is that he has reported some stiffness in his back. One understands that this is an important game for Pakistan - maybe not from a WTC point of view, but from a series-levelling point of view. However, one cannot also forget that the Asian giants are playing plenty of cricket in the coming days. They are scheduled to play a 2-match Test series against West Indies at home

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Similar line and length and Markram offers another good block off the back foot. 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Much straighter from Khurram, Ryan stays back and nurdles it through fine leg for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Great effort. Fractionally short outside off and a touch wide as well. Guess that is the first real loose ball of the morning. Rickelton punches it through point but the fielder dives to his left and takes some pace off the shot. Keeps the batters to a couple.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton stays back and defends.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, ! Was briefly in the air, but Markram seems to have gotten it perfectly through the gap. Back of a length, outside off, Aiden Markram shifts his weight back and punches it with a slightly opened face to steer it through the gap between backward point and gully. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Fuller than a good length, just outside off, Aiden Markram shuffles across a bit to cover the line and blocks it back to the bowler. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Good length, coming into the batter, on middle and off, Aiden Markram stays rooted in the crease and punches it to mid on. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Tighter line but Aiden is on the walk again. Blocks it back to the bowler.

It is good to see Khurram Shahzad target coming around the wicket in his first over itself. Normally, fast bowlers don't switch sides till they have got some rhythm in their bowling. Unless of course, you are Bumrah, who gets up everyday with a set rhythm in his body. The main reason why Khurram is coming around the wicket to Rickelton is because he dismissed the southpaw from that angle in both innings of the first Test. Nearly got him for the third straight time with that angle.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Landed just around off, Markram comes forward and confidently pushes the ball towards cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a good length, outside off, moving away slightly, Aiden Markram feels for it but misses.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Edged but falls short of the fielder at second slip! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Similar line but the length is pushed further by a bit, outside off, Ryan Rickelton taps it in front of cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Nicely done! Back of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton hops back and waits for the ball to come to him before just pushing it past backward point for a boundary. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, again wide outside off, shouldered arms to, by Ryan Rickelton.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, A touch wider outside off, left alone.

Abdullah Shafique is the substitute in for Saim Ayub. The latter still looks in a lot of pain and this might be really concerning. Word is going around that he might need some scans on that right shin. He is GOING OFF THE GROUND ITSELF now. Might be taken to the hospital soon. The bad thing is - he is not able to walk without support. Does not look good at all. Meanwhile, here comes the first bowling change - Khurram Shahzad.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, watchfully defended.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Angling in, on a length, around middle and leg, Aiden Markram leans on and tucks it off his pads in front of square leg. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a length this time, outside off, Aiden Markram holds his bat high and lets it go past. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Hits the deck on a short of a good length, on off, Aiden Markram covers the line and keeps it out. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, No run.

The physio is out in the middle now. Seems like Ayub has been hurt on his right shin. Oh dear - AYUB IS GOING OFF THE FIELD. A worried AZHAR MEHMOOD looks on from the Pakistan dressing room, their bowling coach.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, What's happened there? One of the Pakistan fielders is down on the ground. Think it is Saim Ayub.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed around middle, pushed to the leg side.

On a serious note, given that South Africa have already qualified for the WTC final, they do have the luxury of taking some more time before finalizing their bowling attack for that match. Possibly, as many as three teams could make that final as of now.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Ends with a dot! On a good length, around off, going away, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Markram!

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, ! CLASSY! Drives through the covers! Goes fuller, just outside off, from over the wicket, seaming away. Aiden Markram comes forward with the correct head position and drives it wide of cover for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Full ball, wider outside off, let through once again.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Landed outside off, angling away, left alone.

One interesting reason as to why is Kwena Maphaka playing today. Rickelton, Mulder, Rabada and Maphaka belong to the same school in Johannesburg! So it's high school reunion then.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Fuller, around middle, Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Ends with a dot! Hard length, outside off, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full again, around off, angling in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the front foot back to the bowler.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, ! Deft touch.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, pushed down to mid on.

Interesting. Ryan Rickelton is the 7TH player to be used as an opener by South Africa, in this edition of the World Test Championship. The next best is 5 each, by Australia and England. Markram and Rickelton become the 5th opening pair in this cycle, joint most along with Australia.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a good length, outside off, Aiden Markram rises with the bounce and pushes it towards point for a single.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! HE CASHES ON THIS ONE! 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, The ball is swinging much more! Full ball, wide outside off, shaping away, Ryan Rickelton moves across and shoulders arms to let it go. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly fuller, around middle, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and defends it with the straight bat. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full and around off, Rickelton nudges it towards square leg.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full and just around middle, Ryan Rickelton probably walks into the shot a touch too early but manages to keep the ball out.

Big call from Mike Haysman on air. He predicts that Mohammad Abbas will bowl UNCHANGED till Tea. Wow, direct till Tea. Not even Lunch. Say, we could have roughly 55-56 overs by then? Unless you are in Sydney where the over rate was awful. That means, Abbas to bowl 27 overs at a stretch? Now, that might be a bit too far, won't it? We all know that he is called the machine, but surely, the machine also needs some rest?

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Ends with a dot! Good length, outside off, Aiden Markram shoulders arms to let it go. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Good running between the wickets! On a good length, on the fifth stump, straightens off the deck, Aiden Markram punches it off the back foot wide of cover and takes a couple of runs. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a good length, just outside off, Markram gets across and defends.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Lovely bowling. Full and outside off, nipping back in a long way. But Aiden Markram gets a big stride ahead and shoulders arms.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A good length ball, from around the wicket, landing on middle stump. Ryan Rickelton gets across and nudges it towards fine leg for a single.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Ends with a single! Full again, around middle and leg, angling in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it wide of mid on and gets off the strike.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! CHIPPED IN! Much fuller, from over the wicket, in the slot, Ryan Rickelton is waiting for that length. He comes forward and flicks it down the ground to the right of mid on for a boundary. First one for him this morning. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller, in the slot, just outside off, inviting the drive, shaping away. Ryan Rickelton doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, More away movement this time. The length is held back by just a fraction, but the line is a tad wider outside off. Ryan lets it go past as well.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No shape this time, but a lovely delivery nevertheless. Full and just outside off, Rickelton gets across and shoulders arms.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full and outside off, immediately some shape for Hamza.

It will be Mir Hamza to share the ew cherry with Abbas.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full than the previous one, in the channel again, Ryan Rickelton tries to cover the off stump and blocks it out with ease. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, from over the wicket, just outside off, angling away. Ryan Rickelton goes deep in the crease and defends it with the full face of the bat. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, 1 run.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, SAVED BY THE UMPIRE'S CALL!

Wow. That is certainly some start from Abbas.

Nice, bright sunshine! How lovely to see these three words, isn't it? Gloomy in Sydney, not all that bright in Bulawayo, but at least, perfect conditions are there for the taking in Cape Town. The Pakistan team finishes its huddle and the players now disperse. Out walk the Protea openers - Aiden Markram and a new partner in Ryan Rickelton. It will be the previous match's hero, Mohammad Abbas to start off from where he finished, to Markram. Here we go...

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Shan Masood (C), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.

We are back for Pakistan's reply with the bat! The umpires make their way out to the middle and are followed closely by the South Africans who are spreading across to take the field. 

... SECOND INNINGS ...

Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj's cameos made sure Proteas went past the 600-run mark before being bundled out. Amidst the flurry of runs, Salman Agha quietly made his mark, chipping in with three crucial wickets, while the ever-reliable Mohammad Abbas also finished with three scalps to his name. Now, staring at 615 runs on the board and Saim Ayub unavailable, Pakistan face an uphill battle. The odds are stacked against them, but they’ll need to take it one step at a time, focus on battin

However, what followed completely changed the complexion of the game. A massive 235-run partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma allowed South Africa to dictate terms. Both batters brought up commanding centuries, with Bavuma falling just before the close of Day 1. Pakistan came out with renewed intent on the second morning, making the second new ball talk by removing David Bedingham. Yet, they couldn’t maintain control, allowing another flourishing partnership. Rickelton went on to notch his

After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Pakistan started brilliantly with the new ball. Despite a strong opening stand, they kept their patience and were rewarded with the breakthrough of Aiden Markram. The visitors capitalized further, dismissing Mulder and Stubbs in quick succession to gain a slight edge.

Pakistan finally manage to wrap up the tail and bring the innings to a close. South Africa are bowled out for a mammoth 615, leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb. This remarkable effort was headlined by Ryan Rickelton’s stunning double century, a truly memorable knock. He was brilliantly supported by skipper Temba Bavuma, who crafted a composed century, and Kyle Verreynne, whose attacking ton added to the visitors’ woes.

Mohammad Abbas to Kwena Maphaka, ! BOWLED! DONE IT THIS TIME! South Africa has been bowled out for 615!

Mohammad Abbas to Kwena Maphaka, A huge cheer from the crowd as Kwena Maphaka has defended it solidly! Slightly fuller than good length, just outside off, Kwena Maphaka comes forward and blocks it off the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Kagiso Rabada, Good length, around middle, coming in, from around the stumps, Kagiso Rabada tucks it to deep fine leg for a single. 

A huge cheer as the debutant Kwena Maphaka makes his way out to bat for South Africa!

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Khurram Shahzad gets his second!

Is that out? Keshav Maharaj has started to walk off!

Khurram Shahzad to Kagiso Rabada, Full, on off, Kagiso Rabada drives it to long off for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, Length, on off, Keshav Maharaj taps it to the left of the bowler and gets to the other end. He moves to the 40s now!

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, Hits the deck hard, on a length, over middle, Keshav Maharaj backs away and cuts it hard but finds the fielder at point. 

Khurram Shahzad to Kagiso Rabada, Full and outside off, Kagiso Rabada cracks his drive to the right of mid off for just a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Keshav Maharaj, Angling in, on a length, around middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Slightly shorter than good length, around middle and leg, Keshav Maharaj hops back and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single. He is racing closely to his fifty. 

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, 3 runs.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, ! CHEEKY THIS TIME! A deft touch! On a good length, outside off, from over the wicket, going away, Keshav Maharaj plays it very late as he opens the face of the bat off the back foot towards deep third man for another boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, ! WOW! WHAT A SHOT! Maharaj is just showing Pakistan what he has been capable of! Good length again, outside off, slanting away, Keshav Maharaj shuffles to the off stump and heave it over the mid on fielder for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Full, on middle, Keshav Maharaj works it to square leg for a single. 18 runs off that over and South Africa are now 597/8!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Four!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, ! BANG! Keshav Maharaj is putting on a show and taking on the spinner!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, ! Oh hello? Where has that come from? 

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Salman Agha to Kagiso Rabada, Full, on middle, Kagiso Rabada tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, ! Great shot! Mir Hamza digs it into the deck, on a back of a length, over off. Keshav Maharaj stays rooted to the crease and rises with the bounce to slap it over covers for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Short of a good length, on off, Keshav Maharaj pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, On a length, on off, blocked by Maharaj!

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Comes from wider on the crease and lands it on a length, just around off, Keshav Maharaj swats it hard but straight to mid off.

Salman Agha to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Salman Agha to Kagiso Rabada, No run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Tossed up, around middle, Keshav Maharaj walks down the track to slog it but misses it and wears it on the body.

Salman Agha is brought in to bowl replacing Aamer Jamal!

Salman Agha to Keshav Maharaj, Comes around the wicket, short around leg, angling in, Keshav Maharaj tucks it to square leg for no run.

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, Hard length, at the stumps, Kagiso Rabada blocks it out.

Mir Hamza to Kagiso Rabada, Angling into the batter, down leg, Kagiso Rabada tries to tuck it on its way but misses.

Kagiso Rabada walks in to bat next!

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, ! CAUGHT! Marco Jansen's cameo comes to an end and South Africa lose their 8th wicket. Marco Jansen does more than what was asked for and walks back for a well made 62(54).

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Follows up with some pace off, but keeps it well outside off, on a fuller length. Marco Jansen sees the ball and lets it pass.

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, ! Sweetly timed! Back of a length, wayward outside off, Marco Jansen steps across and pumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Angling away, well outside off, fuller in length, Marco Jansen steps across and winds up for a heave across the line but misses. Hits it off the inner half of the bat and back onto his pads.

It will be Mir Hamza to share the attack from the other end.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, Good length, around middle, coming in, Keshav Maharaj presents the full face of the bat to defend it.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, Much fuller, almost a yorker, around middle, Keshav Maharaj drills it down the ground back to the bowler who stops it off his shoe.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

We’re back for the final session of the day’s play! The umpires and players have made their way out to the middle, and Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj will resume their stay in the middle, looking to pile on more runs. It will be Aamer Jamal to start the session with the ball in hand. Away we go!

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

Ryan Rickelton continued his marathon knock, crossing the 250-run mark in a stunning display of skill and endurance. However, his incredible innings came to an end toward the fag end of the session, as he perished while trying to accelerate the scoring rate. While not much has gone according to plan for Pakistan, they managed to pick up two crucial wickets in this session, including the scalp of Kyle Verreynne, thanks to sticking to smaller, focused plans of bowling outside off. Heading into th

Starting the session, Kyle Verreynne picked up right where he left off before the break, bringing up a well-deserved century in style. However, as he tried to accelerate the scoring, he fell against the run of play. What followed, though, pushed Pakistan further onto the back foot. Marco Jansen came out with all guns blazing, wasting no time to get off the blocks. He smashed boundaries at will, treating the bowlers with disdain, and raced to a quickfire half-century, adding even more misery to

Another session dominated by the Proteas as Tea is called on Day 2! In 27 overs, South Africa added a brisk 137 runs to their tally, losing just two wickets along the way. Pakistan did manage to dismiss both Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton, but beyond those breakthroughs, little went their way this session.

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Full outside off again, Marco Jansen moves across and tries to slog it but gets through the inner half of the blade to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. TEA ON DAY 2! SH AFRICA IS ON 566/7.

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Gets beaten! Full outside off, going away from the batter, Marco Jansen tries to slog it to the leg side but misses it. 

Mir Hamza to Marco Jansen, Four!

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Full, around leg, coming in, Keshav Maharaj helps it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Comes around the wicket now, good length, on middle, angling in, Keshav Maharaj presents the full face of the bat to defend it. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Back of a length, outside off, angling away, from around the stumps, Keshav Maharaj moves across and covers the line to keep it down with ease. 

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, Gets beaten again! Slower length, outside off, coming in, Marco Jansen looks to steal a single by dabbing it to the off side but misses it. 

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, A play and a miss! Full, outside off, going away, Marco Jansen looks to loft it over cover but gets beaten on the inside edge. 

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Keshav Maharaj, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, Good length, just outside off, Marco Jansen pulls it to long on from the back foot for a single. 

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Slightly shorter than full, outside off, slanting away, Keshav Maharaj shoulders arms to let it go.

Mir Hamza to Keshav Maharaj, Full, wide outside off, going away from the batter, Keshav Maharaj doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Newlands, soak it in.  Second highest individual score in a Test innings at Newlands - only behind New Zealand's Stephen Fleming's 262 against South Africa in 2006.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! c Mohammad Abbas b Mir Hamza.

Who walks in next?

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Four!

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! Good Timing! 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, from over the wicket, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton moves across and comes forward to steer it to cover for no run.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, FIFTY FOR MARCO JANSEN! It comes off just 42 balls and the crowd is up on their feet again! Fuller from Jamal, on off, Marco Jansen drives it to deep cover and takes two easy runs.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Marco Jansen, Jamal hits the deck hard, on a nagging length, just outside off, right in that corridor of uncertainty and gets it to straighten up a bit. Marco Jansen looks to block but misses on the outside edge. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, around off, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and drills it down the ground wide of mid off for a quick single. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, just outside off, from over the wicket, angling away, Ryan Rickelton punches it to cover off the back foot. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! Toiling with the bowlers is Marco Jansen! Short and on middle, Jansen stands tall in the crease and pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket for four more runs. 15 runs come off that over and Marco Jansen moves to 48 of just 39 balls!

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! There is no stopping Jansen at the moment! Feels like he knows what's coming his way and sets himself perfectly for just that! 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! Moves into the 40s now does Marco Jansen! Khurram Shahzad goes full and outside off. Marco Jansen shuffles across to cover the line and thumps it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, He has done it. 250 has come up for Ryan Rickelton! 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, ! Up, up and over! Flighted full, right in the arc, asking to be hit. Marco Jansen duly obliges and clears his front leg out before swiping it across the line. Gets more than enough to clear deep mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full, at the stumps, Marco Jansen drives it straight back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, 3 runs.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Fuller than a length, outside off, Marco Jansen lets this one go past.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Wider than the previous one but Jansen premediates it. Moves across and sets himself for a hoick through the off. Slaps it hard but cant beat mid off. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Follows up with width outside off, on a length, Marco Jansen throws his arms at it but fails to connect.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! TONKED IT! SH AFRICA IS LOOKING IN A HURRY NOW! 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, ! BACK-TO-BACK BOUNDARIES! This time to the leg side. Goes shorter this time, just around off, angling in, Marco Jansen sits back nicely and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for another boundary. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Four!

The race is on then. Between a declaration and a triple century. Ryan Rickelton has moved to 247 now, which means he is now 10th in the list of the highest individual scorers for South Africa.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, ! Huge one from Rickelton! Moves to 247 runs! 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton eases it out to mid off.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, 500 UP FOR SH AFRICA! 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, A bit fuller and on off, Marco Jansen drives it to cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, Keeps the line outside off, on a length and gets the ball to nip back in a bit while it stays low off the deck. Marco Jansen has a shy at it away from his body but gets beaten. 

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, LEG BYES! Huge shout from Khurram Shahzad but umpire Kumar Dharmasena is unmoved.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, Rahmat Shah has scored what could possibly be a match-winning century. Afghanistan are in a much better position now, at 186/6, leading Zimbabwe exactly by 100 in the second Test. Still, 47 overs are left in the day. Meanwhile, KHURRAM SHAHZAD is back on. 21-3-90-1 so far.

Khurram Shahzad to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, ! The second attempt on the reverse sweep brings Rickelton the desired result. Tossed up, on off, Rickelton reverse sweeps it well past slip for a boundary. 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Outside off, pitching fuller, Marco Jansen cuts it to deep point for a single.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Looped full, on middle, Ryan Rickelton knocks it down to long on for one.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, ! One of those very few errors from Mohammad Abbas and Jansen makes him pay! Angling into leg, on a length, Marco Jansen clips it off his pads and beats fine leg for a boundary to end the over. 

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, Attacks the stumps, on a nagging length, Marco Jansen takes a step out and blocks it down the pitch.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, ! Nicely done by Jansen! On a length, right into the pads, with the angle coming into him. Marco Jansen flicks it beautifully through the gap at square leg to find his first boundary. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, Rickelton punches it through the covers for one.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, On a length, outside off, coming in with the angle, Marco Jansen gets across and tickles it towards fine leg for a run to get off the mark.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton punches it through the covers for a single.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Quicker and fuller, on middle and off, Marco Jansen keeps it out.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full and at the stumps, Marco Jansen blocks it down the deck.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Quicker, outside off, a touch short, Marco gets a good stride across and shoulders arms.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, No run.

DRINKS BREAK. 48/1 in 15 overs since Lunch. The over rate is the only positive for Pakistan. If you are wondering whether the bowling has been better looking at the run rate, then no, not quite. But the plans have been better executed. Like the one to keep pace from one end and spin from the other. Then, blocking the off side and making Verreynne drive and run out of patience. From that aspect, Shan Masood has certainly been the most proactive in these 5 sessions but he is already staring at a

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller than a good length, wayward outside off, Ryan Rickelton lets it go past.

Mohammad Abbas to Marco Jansen, A huge shout for LBW but turned down! More in desperation and a very optimistic one to be honest! Full and on leg, coming in with the angle, Marco Jansen fails to flick and the ball clips his pad and rolls behind for a leg bye. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and wide again, Ryan plays that oozing cover drive once more but this time, there is protection at sweeper. Just a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, ! CLASSY! From Ryan Rickeldoubleton. Yes, that is the new nickname which is going abuzz in social media.

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Pushed through full and outside off, Marco Jansen lets it pass. A successful wicket maiden over from Salman Agha!

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full, on off, Marco Jansen with soft hands keeps it out. 

Salman Agha to Marco Jansen, Full and outside off, Marco Jansen leans on and makes a leave.

Marco Jansen walks in at number 8, replacing Kyle Verreynne.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! CAUGHT! Finally, a wicket for Pakistan and the 148-run stand is broken. Wicket number 3 for Salman Agha and for once, Mohammad Rizwan is not involved in the dismissal.

Pretty emotional moment. How lucky is the crowd at Newlands. Stood up for Rickelton's century. Stood up for Bavuma's century. Stood up for Ricketon's double ton. And now, stood up for Verreynne's ton. Kyle Verreynne cannot quite put his expressions into words and gets a massive hug from Rickelton.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, GETS HIS TH CENTURY IN TESTS NOW! This is a special innings from the South Africa Keeper as he has fought back the hard initial time. He hasn't been in the form in this series and has been falling for cheap scored. But here, he concentrated a lot and produced this match winning knock.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, ! DISPATCHED! Moves to 99! Slightly short than good length, around middle, from over the stumps, coming in, Kyle Verreynne is waiting for that length as he rocks back and thumps it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. He is just one away from a well-deserved hundred. The partnership is also on 147. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A short ball now, outside off.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Fractionally overpitched, outside off, Verreynne drives it straight to mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Kyle Verreynne punches it straight to cover.

Mohammad Abbas returns. 24-1-70-2 so far.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Ends with a single! Tossed up, around off and middle, Kyle Verreynne walks a step ahead and drills it down the ground to long on and retains the strike. He moves to 93.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Bonus for Kyle Verreynne.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Short, outside off, Ryan Rickelton stays back and punches it through point for a single.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, A Maiden! Full wide outside off, angling away, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full again, but this time, outside off, going away with the angle, Kyle Verreynne doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full, around off, from over the stumps, straightens off the deck, slow in pace, Kyle Verreynne looks to defend it off the front foot but gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls over to mid-wicket.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full, outside off, slanting away, Kyle reaches out and drives it towards mid off.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, This time, he stands where he is, does Verreynne.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Good response from Kyle Verreynne. He has understood the plan of going wide outside off against him, so he is now batting outside his off stump. Gets further across, meets the ball but pushes it towards point.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Shorter on middle, punched back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Ahem. So a message has come out then.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, outside off, going straight on, Ryan Rickelton looks to drive it through the covers but plays early and the ball goes off the inner half of the bat back to the bowler.

So this is the new plan. Seeing Verreynne pounce on the shorter deliveries, Pakistan are going to try and go wide outside off to him, keep the length full and make him drive, hoping that he nicks one or mistimes one.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Again no run for Kyle Verreynne! Full, outside off, going further away, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and drives it straight to extra cover. It ends the over and just 2 off it. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, A solid drive but no run! Full, on the fifth stump, seaming away, Kyle Verreynne drives it hard off the front foot straight to mid off.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full just around off, from over the wicket, going away from the angle, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Low full toss outside off, almost a yorker, Kyle digs it out towards short cover.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Similar line, on a fuller length, slanting away, Verreynne lets it go.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, On a length, around off, slanting away, Kyle Verreynne cuts it behind point. The ball races away towards the fence but Aamer Jamal gives it a good chase to his left from deep point, slides across and stops the ball. Two runs taken.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Again around the wicket for him, short, around middle from the angle, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the back foot with ease. The partnership is of 133 now. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, A bit slower through the air now, on middle, Verreynne goes back and tucks it through square leg, for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, The arm ball, on middle, Kyle Verreynne helps it towards short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

We are just done with 34 overs with this second new ball but Vernon Philander believes that there might be signs of reverse swing for Pakistan. Not quite sure how, because neither is the ball that old, nor is the surface that abrasive.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Another play and a miss to end the over! 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, outside off, seaming away, Kyle Verreynne doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through the keeper.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full outside off, going further away, Kyle Verreynne drives it to cover off the front foot. Oh..no... Hamza has overstepped and it has been called a No Ball.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Similar line and length, testing the patience of Kyle, who, for now, is happy to shoulder arms. But for how long?

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller ball, wide outside off, slanting further away, Kyle Verreynne lets it be.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Overpitched, wide outside off again, Verreynne drives it straight to cover.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, A Close Leave! Drops it short, from around the stumps, angling in, Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms at the very last moment as the ball zips past the off stump by an inch. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, ! Ho ho ho! Where has that come from? It almost seemed like Rickelton had gone to snooze since his double century, but now, feels like the Verreynne effect is rubbing off on him.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Gets through the outer half of the bat for a single! Full again, outside off, going away, Ryan Rickelton wants to drive it off the front foot but gets a leading edge towards deep point and retains the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full outside off again, Ryan Rickelton comes forward to drive it straight to extra cover. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Runs in hard and bowls on full length, outside off, going away, from over the wicket, Ryan Rickelton leaves it alone. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Outside off again, on a back of a good length, Kyle Verreynne works it away to point for a single. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Angling away, outside off, on a length, left alone by Kyle Verreynne.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton slices it aerially to deep backward point for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Drags the length, and changes the line to outside off, Kyle Verreynne goes back in the crease and defends it with the full face of the bat to end the over.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Flighted full, around off, from over the wicket, turning in, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and turns it to mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! BANG! Kyle Verreynne continues his show after Lunch! 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to cover for a single.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full outside off again, left alone by Kyle Verreynne to end the over. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly full than good length, wide outside off, going away, Kyle Verreynne has to reach out to play at it and goes straight to extra cover for no run. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Width outside off, on a back of a length, Kyle Verreynne hops back and slaps it through cover-point for a couple of runs. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Angling away, outside off, Kyle Verreynne holds his bat high and makes a leave.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Good length and on the right line, just around that off-stump. Kyle Verreynne keeps it out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to mid on from the front foot. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Drags the length down for Kyle Verreynne and serves it on middle and leg. Kyle goes back and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, A hint of width outside off, fuller in length and Ryan Rickelton cuts it to deep point for one.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Full again, outside off, seaming away, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and drives it wide of mid off where Shan makes a dive to stop it. They don't take any run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Left alone again! Full outside off, going away, from over the wicket, Kyle Verreynne doesn't offer any shot at it.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, And again! Way too wide to make the batter play. Kyle Verreynne lets it pass.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Goes full and well wide outside off, Kyle Verreynne shoulders arms. 

Welcome back for the afternoon session. 63 overs left in the day. If we have roughly another 27 overs in this session, that score could swell up nicely. Attack is certainly on the cards, by Verreynne while Rickelton will be looking to just soldier on. For this Test match and Pakistan's sake, can we see some wickets fall? It has been great to see the double century and the century and the half century, but three sessions in a row, so one-sided, makes it a dull game to watch. Because more of this

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Starts from over the wicket and lands it outside off, on a length, Kyle Verreynne punches it straight to cover. 

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

In the air and gone! Well, we were talking about cracking finishes and we just can't stop raving about the ongoing second Zim-Afg Test in Bulawayo. Shahidullah Kamal has just been dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani and Afghanistan are now 138/6 in their second innings, leading by 52. With Rashid Khan still to come, the visitors will still bank of getting 50 runs more at least. Can they double that and set a target of 150ish for a cracking finish? The prediction of a Day 3 finish is still on, with

Meanwhile, fresh news is coming in from Sydney that Aussie coach Andrew McDonald has indirectly accused India of intimidating Sam Konstas during the opening day of the fifth and final Test between Australia and India. After dismissing Usman Khawaja on the final ball of the day, Jasprit Bumrah and almost the entire Indian team was seen celebrating in Konstas' face, who clearly seemed shaken with that. However, a story is never complete without hearing from both sides. From what we saw, it definit

What next? Are we going to see crash, bang and kaboom post Lunch? Verreynne certainly looks in the mood to do that. Pakistan seemed to have already given up, but they cannot just blame the pitch or the toss. There is still in it for the bowlers but one needs to be disciplined. They have been guilty of losing patience far too early. Plenty of time left in this Test match, so the Proteas won't be in any hurry, as normal cricket can get them to 550 by Tea. Maybe, they could get more if Kyle Verrey

Rickelton has played his part really well. Early on, he was the one taking more of the strike, even when Bedingham was around and also when Kyle Verreynne was new to the crease. Their partnership reads 106 of which, Verreynne's score is 74, but it was not always the case. Kyle had a tough time negotating the second new ball and at one stage, he was on 7 (24). Then, he got a real loosener from Abbas which he deposited into the stands and literally took over. Factor this - when Rickelton got to 2

The day began with the focus on Ryan Rickelton looking to get to his double hundred and Pakistan looking for early wickets. Both happened. But the visitors could not get any further inroads post that wicket of Bedingham. They started with the second new ball pretty efficiently but then ran out of patience. The lines and lengths suffered and the patient Proteas took them apart.

Third session on the trot which has gone in South Africa's favour. They have scored 113 runs in 27 overs in this session, losing just the one wicket of David Bedingham. Pakistan started the day well but once the ball got older, they ran out of ideas and Verreynne started to run riot. The one good thing though, was the over rate.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quick again, a bit flatter as well, defended from the crease. LUNCH ON DAY 2, SH AFRICA ARE 429/5!

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker and shorter, helped towards mid on who is a bit deep but the batters don't take the single.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to the right of the bowler. 

This should be the final over before Lunch.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Four!

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, MORE! Bring it on! Lunch may be around the corner or 2 hours later. Verreynne does not care.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, ! Absolutely dispatched! Short of a length, not that short to trouble the batter, around middle. Kyle Verreynne reads the length early and pulls it beautifully over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Angling into the hips of the batter, on a length, Ryan Rickelton fails to tuck it across. The ball clips him high on the thigh pad and rolls in front of fine leg for a leg bye.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the wicket and dishes it out full, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton taps it down the deck with soft hands. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Fired in on off stump, at 80 kph, KV flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! HAMMERED! Short and wide outside off, Verreynne rocks back and cuts it through cover. There is deep point in place and he gets across to his right as well. Reaches the ball, but is unable to push it away. Mir Hamza was the fielder.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Landed on middle, Kyle Verreynne flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Full, on middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it from well in front but can't get it past short fine leg. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Full, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks.

This is now becoming like a proper sub-continental pitch. There is a bit more of that indifferent bounce and we might see the ball start to turn as well. Come Days 3 and 4, the slower bowlers will come into picture and probably, Day 5 will be the toughest to bat on, if the game goes till then.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Nicely bowled to finish the over.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Verreynne stays back and guides it towards backward point.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne punches it straight to cover.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, over middle, Kyle Verreynne hops back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Aamer Jamal to Kyle Verreynne, Hits the deck hard, on a length, around middle and off, Kyle Verreynne keeps it out.

Aamer Jamal into the attack. Had an ordinary day yesterday. 15-0-86-0 so far.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Starts from around the wicket and serves it slightly fuller in length, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to the right of mid off and gets a single. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, The arm ball, just around off, well kept out.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller, around middle and off, watchfully defended.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Pushed through, fuller and on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton clips it to square leg.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, driven straight to cover. 

Well, this escaped all of us. Kyle Verreynne has gone past 1000 Test runs, in his 37th inning. He has got those runs at an average of 31.34 at a decent strike rate of around 58. The last few things though, it has been all or nothing for Verreynne. His 7 previous innings read 2 centuries, but 5 single-digit scores as well. He will hope this turns out to be another hundred, given that he has got a start.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, EDGED, , FIFTY FOR VERREYNNE!

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Outside off, the length is immediately fuller, a watchful Verreynne pushes it towards cover.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, ! FETCH THAT! He is getting into his groove now. Fractionally short, outside off, Ryan Rickelton picks the length in a flash and pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket. Takes him to 49. 400 UP FOR SH AFRICA!

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length, on middle and off, Kyle Verreynne covers the line and blocks.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Errs in line and lands it down leg, fuller in length, Kyle Verreynne misses out on the flick as the ball goes past to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, On a fuller length, at the stumps, Kyle Verreynne clips it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Lovely ball. Fired through the air, outside off, fuller in length, Rickelton looks to drive but misses.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Tossed up, just outside off, allows Ryan to free his arms and he does. Drives it well but finds cover.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Nagging length around middle and off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton cracks his drive but straight to short cover. 

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan seems to be heading towards a Day 3 finish. After getting a lead of 86 runs, the hosts picked up 2 wickets this morning, but Rahmat Shah is fighting hard for the visitors. His unbeaten 68 has taken his side to 125/5 at Lunch on Day 3, which means Afghanistan are effectively 39/5 in the second innings. Looking at their bowling attack, they would be aiming for 100 more on the board.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Just around off, watchfully pushed towards mid on.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, A bit too straight, tucked straight to short mid-wicket.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Straight and full, at the pads, Kyle Verreynne tucks it through mid-wicket and gets two more runs. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne looks for a pull but misses out as the ball zips past the outside edge, not by much. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, ! Minimal effort from Kyle Verreynne!

Mohammad Rizwan, the keeper for Pakistan, is trying his level best to cheer his players up.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, The arm ball, around middle, well kept out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker ball, around off, Ryan Rickelton stays back and defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Loops it even more this time and keeps it outside off, fuller in length, Ryan Rickelton drills it to deep cover for a couple of runs.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker and fuller, outside off, Ryan Rickelton goes deep in the crease and cuts it to dep point for another two. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Looped up, on middle, Kyle Verreynne tucks it to square leg for one.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, An appeal for the LBW, and the umpire has turned it down. Shan has asked his player and they are going upstairs. Good length, from around the stumps, coming in sharply, around middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne hops up and looks to flick it off the back foot but misses it and wears it on the pads. 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, ! All class on that one!

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mir Hamza gets a change of ends. 16-1-60-0 so far.

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Flighted full, around off and middle, Kyle Verreynne comes forward and flicks it to long on for a single to retain the strike. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Tossed up, around off, from over the stumps, Kyle Verreynne chips in down the ground to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Nagging length, around off, Kyle Verreynne punches it to mid on.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Darted full, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton lunges and taps it through mid-wicket for a single. 

Overall, Ryan Rickelton has become the fourth player to score a double hundred in his maiden Test innings as an opener. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Could have been chopped on! Good length, around off, angling in, Kyle Verreynne looks to cut it off the front foot but only manages to get an inside edge back to the pitch. The ball rolls over to side of stumps, lucky for him. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length, over off, Kyle Verreynne punches it down the deck.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, ! Well, well,  well, Kyle Verreynne seems to have switched the gears and has definitely found his mojo! 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Lands it on a fuller length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to deep backward point for a single.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! He has found the gap this time! Short again, outside off, with no turn at it. Kyle Verreynne cuts it hard as he is already on the back foot wide of point for a boundary to end the over.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Ryan Rickelton's double is the 19th occasion of a double hundred being scored in a Test in South Africa. Interestingly, it is the 7th at Newlands, the most at any venue in this country. The next best is 4, at Kingsmead, Durban. Overall, Adelaide Oval tops the list with 21. And we all know why. With drop-in pitches, the track turns into a pancake as the days go by.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Pushed through quicker and fuller, at the stumps, Kyle Verreynne takes a step out and eases it to mid on.

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, ! Great execution of the shot! Salman Agha bowls it full, on off, Kyle Verreynne reverse sweeps it past backward point for a boundary. 

Salman Agha to Kyle Verreynne, Tosses it up, on off, Kyle Verreynne turns it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, outside off, going away, Kyle Verreynne dabs it in front of point for a single to retain the strike. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Good length, coming in, from over the wicket, around middle, Kyle Verreynne looks to defend it but his hands get off from the shoulder of the bat as the contact with the ball. The ball goes to mid-wicket for no run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Nearly!

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Keeps it full, on off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and taps it to point.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Full and on middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne clips it to mid-wicket.

DRINKS BREAK. What a moment for the 28-year old. He would still be soaking the feeling in. Maiden double Test ton, in his very first knock as an opener. And it has been a classy knock, make no mistake. He has shown all types of gears. Started off nicely, then had to slow down and he did both with perfect resolve. Then, once the ball got older, he made full use of the conditions on offer. Even this morning, he believed he started on 0 and has grown in confidence as the hour went on. It is a scorc

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! A DEFT TOUCH! 

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, MAIDEN DOUBLE TON FOR RYAN RICKELTON! Newlands is on its feet! The last time a South African batter made a Test double ton at this ground was 9 years ago.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! BRILLIANT! Onto 199 now! Full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and executes a nice little push back past the bowler, down the ground through mid off. Mum is on her feet to applaud that. When is that next run coming?

It is a weekend and the crowd has been building up nicely. It was not necessarily a full house yesterday, but so far this morning, people have turned up in fairly large numbers. There will be the anticipation of Rickelton reaching his double ton and then, a bit of fun in the second session, once the Proteas get past 400. And later, in the third session, they would be keen to see Rabada and Jansen have a go at the Pakistan batters. First bowling change of the day. Mir Hamza to bowl now. 15-1-49

Mir Hamza to Kyle Verreynne, Landed around off, from left arm over the wicket, angling away, Kyle Verreynne opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, from over the wicket, around middle and off, Ryan Rickelton defends it with the full face of the bat to end the over.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Gets off the strike now! Changes his line to outside off, on a good length, going away from the batter, Kyle Verreynne cuts it wide of point and takes a quick single. 350 comes up for South Africa at a good pace. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, On a good length, slower in pace, around off, coming in, Kyle Verreynne blocks it right under his eyes off the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, This one stays low, landing on the same length as the previous one.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, ! Well, that's one way of getting out of trouble.

Interesting point from Vernon Philander on air. He says that if he had been playing or had he been in the South African dressing room, he would have had a word with Ryan Rickelton. Details that obviously, Rickelton would be on cloud nine for his marvellous knock but it takes just one mistake to undo all the hard work. So Day 2 is equally or even more important than Day 1, because today is the day he can help his side bat Pakistan out of the Test. There needs to be that persistent hunger for run

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, A solid confident defense off the front foot! Similar line and length to the previous one, Ryan Rickelton comes forward to block it. It is coming off the middle of the bat.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, just around off, coming in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton defends it to mid off. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Landed around off, the length keeps getting fuller, Ryan looks to push but the ball comes off slowly, takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards short mid-wicket.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, just a tad short of good length now, Rickelton rises with the bounce and punches it towards cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! FEROCIOUS! A hit away from the double now!

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A Maiden! Similar line and length to the previous one and Kyle Verreynne comes forward to defend it again. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A sold defense on this one! Good length, just around off, seaming in, at 129 kph, Kyle Verreynne blocks it with his front leg out. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Full around middle, coming in, from over the stumps, Kyle Verreynne chips in to mid on off the front foot. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Frustration creeping in now.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, coming in, Verreynne defends it back down the pitch.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, just short of full, Kyle Verreynne shoulders arms.

How time changes one's perception, confidence and form. Just a month ago, Kyle Verreynne was looking in supreme touch, against Sri Lanka. But towards the end of that series, the Lankans started to work him out, getting the ball to nip in and keep it as straight as possible. Pakistan seem to have watched those videos and are doing really well to keep Verreynne quiet and in his crease, as much as possible. He is not being allowed to come forward to drive. What is also happening is - perhaps Kyle

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, coming in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down with ease. 

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Takes a single after three dots! Good length, outside off, going away, too much width to offer, Kyle Verreynne guides it to deep point off the back foot and gets off the strike.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, on a good length, Verreynne stays back and defends.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Full and straight, Kyle Verreynne looks to defend. But the ball then straightens from that angle and squares him up a touch. Takes a bit of a leading edge but drops down safely near cover.

A bit of a chatter between Abbas and Rickelton. Pretty soft, not like the ones going on in Australia in that Test series. Abbas keeps saying something and Rickelton just smiles and then shakes his head. Might be something on the lines of how about trying to get to the double century with two big blows.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Lamded outside off, left alone.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Comes around the wicket, on a good length, around middle, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the front foot with ease. A very good over has come to an end by Abbas. He is bowling beautifully here with the new ball. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Good length, nips back in sharply, around middle and off, Kyle Verreynne just brings out the bat in time to get an inside edge otherwise he would have been a goner. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Slightly fuller than the previous one, around off, coming in, Kyle Verreynne gets open up and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Carbon copy of the previous ball. This time, Kyle stays back and pushes it towards point.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Closer to the off stump, making the batter play. Verreynne comes forward and pushes it towards mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Kyle Verreynne takes his bat away from the line.

Much better from Pakistan this morning. They are trying to get the new ball talk and have been rewarded with the wicket of Bedingham. However, they did well with the first new ball as well. It was after the ball got old, that they struggled with their disciplines. However, if they can manage to nip another 2 more wickets in the next 10 overs or so, they could still stand a chance to come back into the game.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, a bit of extra bounce, Ryan Rickelton shuffles to cover the line and defends it back to the bowler to end the over.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, outside off, angling in, Ryan Rickelton moves across and shoulders arms to let it go.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full, around off and middle, seaming in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton tries to flick it off the front foot but gets through the inner half of the blade to mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! BEAUTY! What a way to get the first boundary of the day. Slightly overpitched, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and drives it straight back past the bowler and the non-striker, straight down the ground. What a sight to behold.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Length, over middle and off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it down the deck.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, just outside off, nipping back in off the deck, Kyle Verreynne sees the line and length closely and opts to make a leave. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, A huge, huge appeal for LBW, but turned down by the umpire! Shan Masood after a long chat with the players around the pitch decides to challenge it. Mohammad Abbas serves this on a good length, around middle and leg with the angle coming into the batter. Kyle Verreynne looks to push it out on the leg side but misses onto his pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike but the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be going over leg stump. 

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Landed just outside off, coming in, Kyle Verreynne works it straight to short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, a touch wide, Rickelton reaches out and eases it through cover-point for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to defend but the ball stops a bit, takes the inside edge and hits him on his pads. Hmm... so the indifferent bounce is definitely coming into play. All the best, Pakistan. You are gonna bat last.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Bashes the deck hard, on a back of a good length, on middle, Ryan Rickelton tucks it through mid-wicket for a single. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton firms his drive straight to mid off.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Great shot and a good effort from Mir Hamza to save a run for his side!

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Did that stay a touch low? Or are my eyes playing tricks on me? Landed outside off, Verreynne looks to punch it through the off side but the ball stayed low, (as per me) and he managed to push it towards cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton taps it towards cover for a run.

Khurram Shahzad to Kyle Verreynne, Landed outside off, Kyle Verreynne opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Pulls the length back and keeps it around middle and off, Kyle Verreynne punches it through covers for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammad Abbas to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller and on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it to mid on.

Kyle Verreynne walks in at number 7, replacing David Bedingham.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mohammad Abbas has given Pakistan a breakthrough with this second new ball. Just what they needed!

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

There are plenty of pigeons near the playing area.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Hits the deck hard kind of a delivery, on a short of a length, around middle, David Bedingham knocks it to mid on. 

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Full and on middle, with good pace behind the ball. David Bedingham looks to tuck it across but gets an outside edge that flies to cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Landed outside off, pretty wide, David shoulders arms.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Hint of swing. Full, outside off, Bedingham comes forward to defend but the ball shapes away late. However, he adjusts well to cover the swing and pushes the ball towards cover.

Interesting murmurs and discussions regarding some change in rules to be requested from the ICC. With Saim Ayub ruled out of this Test, Pakistan are down to 10 men with the bat for actually no fault of theirs. Just as there is a rule for concussion substitution, should there be a rule for a substitution for any injury, irrespective whether it is internal or external? Let's go a bit further. How about introducing the Impact Player rule in Tests as well? Because the rule is more or less similar

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, On a good length, outside off, David Bedingham punches it down the track.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length back and keeps it on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton dabs it in front of mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Lands it on a length, just outside off, with a hint of away movement off the deck. Ryan Rickelton plays late and pushes it to point. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, just 122 kph, Rickelton blocks it out beside the pitch on the off side.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, coming in from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton pushes it towards mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, watchfully pushed away.

The pitch seems to have grown brownish in colour today. There is still some grass in patches. The footholes created by the landing of the seamers are becoming to create some footmarks and come Day 3, there could be visible turn. Otherwise, nothing much regarding any seam movement. MOHAMMAD ABBAS to share the second new ball with Khurram. 16-0-51-1 so far.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it into the pads this time, on a length, Ryan Rickelton clips it through mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it into the batter, on a good length, around off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid off. 

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, Gentle medium pace, around off, on a good length, Bedingham defends it watchfully.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, First run of Day 2. A short ball, outside off, David punches this through the covers for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to David Bedingham, No run.

500? 550? 600? These are the numbers that would be ringing in South Africa's mind. What about Pakistan? How do they come back? The only way visible is by bowling the Proteas out and that too, quickly, possibly by Tea. That could limit the juggernaut to 450.

500? 550? 600? These will be the numbers in South Africa's mind. What about Pakistan though? How can they come back? Looking at the pitch, the only way is by bowling the Proteas out and bowling them out quickly, possibly before Tea. That might stop the juggernaut at 450. Still some batting left in Verreynne, Jansen and Maharaj. Not to forget what Rabada did in the last game too! The players are out on the field as another bright and sunny day welcomes us in Newlands.

With Saim Ayub’s injury, Pakistan face an even greater setback due to the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and recovery ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy at home this February. With the tournament just weeks away, Ayub’s progress will be closely monitored, as Pakistan will undoubtedly want him fully fit and firing in the ODI format where he has truly showcased his brightest potential.

JUST IN - The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Saim Ayub has been ruled out not just for this match but for up to six weeks due to the right ankle fracture. The young opener will stay with the team for the remainder of the match before heading home once the Test concludes. This is a major blow for Pakistan, as Ayub’s absence creates a significant void at the top of the order, especially on a wicket that seemed tailor-made for his batting style. While this is far from ideal for the te

As for South Africa, the plan is clear. Pile on the runs and aim for a massive first-innings score, potentially beyond 500, to tighten their grip on the game. The Proteas will aim to capitalize on their strong foundation, while Pakistan will desperately hope to turn things around and salvage their chances of drawing or even snatching an overseas victory in South Africa - a feat that would hold immense significance. The action resumes shortly, so gear up for another thrilling day of cricket.

Pakistan had their moments of brilliance but struggled to seize control during the critical phases of Day 1. An umpire’s call decision on the very first ball of the game didn’t go their way, but the first hour showcased some promising bowling. After dismissing Markram early, Pakistan capitalized further with two quick wickets, removing Mulder and Stubbs in quick succession. However, as the day wore on, their plans seemed to falter. The short-ball strategy against Bavuma and Rickelton backfir

The South African batters were relentless, maintaining a brisk scoring rate after 80 overs on a pitch that initially felt like it had something in it but for most of the day looked to carry absolutely no demons. Although there were some edges and close calls, Bavuma and Rickelton showcased immense concentration and grit to guide their team to a commanding position with the score now reading 316/4. Aiden Markram was dismissed early in the first session. Wiaan Mulder on his comeback also fell ch

Hello and Welcome to Day 2 of the gripping second Test between South Africa and Pakistan at the picturesque Newlands in Cape Town. The opening day firmly belonged to the Proteas, who capitalized on a tricky start to end in a dominant position. Despite losing three early wickets in the first session, South Africa’s innings was stabilized by a magnificent partnership of 235 runs between skipper Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton. Both batters scored brilliant centuries, with Bavuma falling just

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

What does Saturday hold in store? Looking at the pitch, a bountiful of runs. South Africa still have some batting to come, so they will look to bat for two sessions at least and get as close to 500 as possible. Pakistan, on the other hand, will hope for a turnaround in their fortune and aim to get the home side all out under 400. The cracks might just start to appear on Day 3 and spin could come into fray, so anything above 400 could be a good score here. That's all from here then. The first b

Tough day for Pakistan. They started really well, though they did not get wickets. Could have had Aiden Markram first ball and could have struck multiple times in that first hour. Irrespective, they ended the first session well. But it was the counterattack post Lunch which took them by surprise. Eventually, the bowling started to go awry with the fielding being way beyond acceptable. The new-ball bowlers - Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza - were the only ones who showed some control while Salman

Well, that was one hero. The other hero was the skipper, Bavuma. Riding on his newly found form, he first made a strong alliance with Rickelton, coming in the midst of a mini collapse. South Africa had slipped from 61/0 to 72/3 and the team needed some stability. Bavuma provided that, coming in with a counter-attacking approach, taking Pakistan to the cleaners. His third century in 3 years in Tests lit up Newlands as his 235-run stand with Rickelton really rubbed it in for Pakistan. Bavuma woul

RYAN RICKELTON says that he is exhausted, detailing that he was feeling uneasy coming in from the previous Test. But adds that he feels really special after his mammoth innings. On his new role as an opener, Rickelton says that he practices against the new ball in the nets, so he is not shy of the challenge. On the ground at Newlands, Ryan says that it is a wonderful ground, with lush boundaries. On his game plan, RR says that the initial plan was to see off the new ball, then hold back when wi

The day belonged to one of two men - Ryan Rickelton. In a team score of 316, he has finished unbeaten on 176, which accounts for almost 60 percent of the team score. He got good support from his skipper Bavuma, but to be honest, Rickelton looked way out of the lot in that tough opening session. He saw off the shine off the new ball and later, when Pakistan threatened to come back around Lunch, he hung around, patiently eating up deliveries, waiting for the phase to pass, before opening up post L

There was a bit of an intriguing event just before that last ball. There are two clocks on the ground, with both showing different times. Shan Masood just clarified which watch are the umpires checking and Kumar Dharmasena said, his own personal watch. And he also gave a clear signal, before the final ball, that there will not be any more play post the final ball and it ends a wonderful day for South Africa. Started well, probably did not end it that well, given that Temba Bavuma fell in the d

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, solidly defended towards cover. STUMPS ON DAY 1, SH AFRICA ARE 316/4!

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Down the leg side, Bedingham flicks it through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Full and just around off, David Bedingham gets across and defends.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Goes very full, on off does Abbas, Bedingham brings out the drive but can't thread it past mid off to his right. 

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Fuller than a good length, at the stumps, David Bedingham taps it to mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and slanting into the pads, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep square leg for one. 

Since taking over as captain, Bavuma has scored three of his four Test hundreds and averages 57.78.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, On middle and leg, turned behind square leg for a run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to David Bedingham, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full again, just around off, Rickelton cuts it to the right of cover for a single.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton cracks his drive straight to cover.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, the second Zimbabwe-Afghanistan match is taking a quick turn. After making 243 in response to Afghanistan's 157, gaining a lead of 86 runs, the hosts have struck thrice before Stumps on Day 2, reducing the visitors to 46/3. The touring side is still in arrears by 40 runs and looking at how the pitch is playing, Saturday might be the final day in that match.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A length ball, but down the leg side. Ryan helps it towards fine leg for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, comes slowly off the deck, Rickelton is a touch early into the shot and nearly checks it, pushing the ball towards mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton drives it towards cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and on off, Ryan Rickelton offer a solid block towards mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Angling into the left-hander from round the wicket angle, on a length, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton turns it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Full and just outside off, David Bedingham drives it to deep cover for a single.

Mohammad Abbas to David Bedingham, Starts from over the wicket and goes right at the stumps, on a fuller length, David Bedingham flicks it off his pads to mid-wicket. Oh no, Mohammad Abbas has overstepped and the third umpire calls it late. 

Mohammad Abbas comes for a final burst in the day. 14-0-46-1 so far.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to David Bedingham, 1 run.

NIghtwatchman time? Nope! Brave. David Bedingham walks out at number 6, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Out of the blue! Where did that come from?

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full and turning into the left-hander, on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton goes deep in the crease and knocks it to long on for one. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, A bit short, on off, Temba Bavuma punches it to long off for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Drifting into the stumps, on a nagging length, Temba Bavuma turns it to square leg.

Deja vu moment for Temba Bavuma. On 3rd January, 2016, Bavuma registered his maiden Test ton against England, at this very same venue. The second ton took a while to come, 7 years later, but he has now hit a purple patch, getting 3 centuries in the last 3 years. Especially, since his return from the elbow injury.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! CREAMED! Well, it went just over a leaping fielder at mid-wicket but that was struck really hard. And we are not done yet, because it has been called as a NO BALL for overstepping by the third umpire!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, Ryan Rickelton jabs it towards mid on.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards point for a single to bring up 300 ON THE BOARD FOR SH AFRICA! And we are still 20-odd minutes away from the close of play. Remember - they were 72/3 at Lunch. That's 228 runs in the next 52-odd overs. Without losing a wicket.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton crisps his cut shot to deep point for one more. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it in front of point and steals a quick run. 

Will it be Ghulam from this end? 5 overs left for the second new ball. 25 minutes left in the day. A quick burst of spin could see those 5 overs being bowled inside 20 minutes. Worth a gamble. Nope, Jamal continues.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Shouts of 'catch it' but lands very safely. Back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma pulls it aerially to the left of deep fine leg and gets two runs.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Arrowed in on middle, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to the leg side.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a long way across and defends.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Pulls the length marginally does Agha, on middle, Temba Bavuma pushes it out off the back foot.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Tossed up, on off, Ryan Rickelton drives it to deep cover for a single.

Spin again.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, A solid defense this time! Hard length, around middle, coming in, Temba Bavuma opens up and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, BEATEN! Good length, outside off, angling away, from over the stumps, Temba Bavuma goes for a punch shot from the back foot but gets beaten on the outside edge. A loose shot after completing his hundred! 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, WIDE! Hits the deck hard, A bouncer above the head and it has been called a wide for height.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full, around off, from around the wicket, coming in, Ryan Rickelton guides it wide of point for a single to get off the strike. 

What a knock from the skipper. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, HUNDRED FOR THE PROTEAS SKIPPER, TEMBA BAVUMA! His 4th Test century, and what a knock it has been!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Very full, on leg, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep fine for a single and gets Temba Bavuma back on strike.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma pulls it to deep square leg and crosses to get to 99 runs. The crowd are on their feet now! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton punches it off the back foot to mid off.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, outside off, angling in, from around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton defends it to cover off the front foot.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, outside off, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton drives it wide of cover. Shan Masood gives it a chase and they take a couple of runs. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Gets the line closer to the off-stump and drags the length down by a fair bit, Ryan Rickelton taps it to the right of the bowler. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Keeps it full again, outside off, Ryan Rickelton frees his arms and cracks his drive but still finds the fielder at cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Very full, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton drives it well but can't beat cover. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma defends it off the front foot. He will have to wait for his hundred!

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to deep square leg for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma clips it down in front of deep square leg and takes a single. Moves to 98 now!

Some issue with the ball now. Seems like the leather is wearing off. The camera did not pan on the face but it seemed like it was Babar Azam who brought up the issue. By the looks of it, it seems like the seam might have got split. Out comes the fourth umpire with a box of replacement balls. And in the meanwhile, the players help themselves with some drinks. Temba Bavuma is still struggling with his left elbow, the same injury which had kept him out for a while till November. All set to resume

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Four!

It will be interesting what do South Africa think is a good score here. Should they up the run rate and rub it in even more for Pakistan? They definitely are in a good position but as Geoffrey Boycott used to say - 'Never look at a score in the present. Always add 2 wickets with a few runs to that score and then recheck'. If the pitch is indeed becoming better to bat on with time progressing, will South Africa need that longer a time to pick up 20 wickets? Alternatively, do they believe that b

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Ends with a single! Good length, outside off, Temba Bavuma cuts it off the back foot wide of point and retains the strike.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, around middle, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, angling into the body of Rickelton. He dabs it to mid-wicket. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Angling in, on off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton knocks it to mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, over off, Temba Bavuma hops back and cuts it to deep point for a single. Moves to 92 does Bavuma!

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, around off, seaming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of point and runs off for a quick single to end the over. He moves to 91 now.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller, slower in pace, around off, Temba Bavuma defends it with the full face of the bat back to the bowler.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around off, coming in, from around the stump, Temba Bavuma keeps it down off the front foot.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, At the stumps, fuller in length, Bavuma taps it to mid on.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Charges at the stumps, on a fuller length, with not much of bounce off the deck, Temba Bavuma turns it around to mid on.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to point.

Meanwhile, a bit of a sad news coming from Down Under. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! JUST WOW! He is watching this cricket ball as a football one for sure! 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, slow in pace, Temba Bavuma dabs it wide of point and takes a single. 200 runs partnership has come for these batters.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma tries to play with the cross bat and gets through the bottom part to cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Around off, on a good length, Temba Bavuma pats it towards cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, A length ball, around middle, angling down, Ryan Rickelton helps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Ends with a dot! On a length, around off and middle, Temba Bavuma comes forward and defends it to cover to end the over.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, around off, coming in, Temba Bavuma blocks it with ease.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, swinging in, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

DRINKS BREAK. A little delayed, as this is a long session. So in a 150-minute session, either the umpires have two Drinks breaks after 50 minutes each, or go for one single break, after 75 minutes, depending on how hot the conditions are. Recently, in the MCG Test between Australia and India, the umpires were scheduling for two Drinks breaks in every session. Not here though, the conditions are very pleasant to play cricket and the viewing too, unless you are supporting Pakistan. The ocean of ru

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length back, around middle, coming in, Ryan Rickelton helps it to deep fine leg for a single to end the over. The umpire has called on for drinks now!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fullers this time, around middle and leg, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton presents the full face of the bat and drives it to mid on. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On middle and leg, pushed towards mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Ooohhh... nearly.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! AWESOME! Both, the shot and the innings. 150 UP FOR RYAN RICKELTON! In just 190 balls, studded with 19 fours and 1 six. And if my memory serves me correctly, only two miscued shots. The rest were all pleasing to the eye. And he is not done yet. Overpitched by Khurram, outside off, Rickelton comes forward, leans and drives it through the covers. Shan Masood gives it a valiant chase to his right from mid off and dives, but after the ball reaches the

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the deck hard, short ball, above the shoulders, around off, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down to deep square leg for a single to retain the strike. He moves to 148 now.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Changes his line to leg, similar length, seaming in, Temba Bavuma helps it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around off, from around the wicket, angling in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of cover. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, seems way off pace, outside off, Bavuma comes forward and defends. That was barely 125 kph. Pakistan are looking tired now.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Around off, solidly defended.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, from around the wicket, Temba Bavuma stays back and pats it towards point.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Ends with a single! 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, ! SLASHED! Hard length, wide outside off, angling away, Temba Bavuma gets the width and he cashes on it nicely as he cuts it hard off the back foot wide of deep point for a boundary.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around off, seaming in, Temba Bavuma looks to defend it with the full face of the bat but gets through the outer half of the blade to cover. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, A bit uppish, but safe. A short ball, around off, the skipper goes for the pull but does not fully commit into the shot. Tries to help it around the corner but gets a bit of a top edge. The ball lands well wide of deep backward square leg, to his left and by the time he gets to the ball, a couple of runs are taken.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Around middle and leg, Bavuma clips it again, but finds short mid-wicket once more.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Full, around middle, Temba Bavuma flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Double change?

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full, again, around off, Ryan Rickelton drives it to mid off to end the over. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, just outside off, from over the wicket, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down with ease.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller now, pushed to mid on once again.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza comes on from Aamer Jamal's end. 11-1-43-0 so far for the left-arm seamer.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, cutting back in, Ryan Rickelton defends.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, punched straight to cover.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Into the stumps, fuller and coming on with the arm, Ryan Rickelton knocks it to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Short and on middle, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma hangs back and steers it past slip for a couple of runs. Brings up the 250 runs for South Africa!

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe have eventually been bowled out for 243, getting a lead of 86 runs in the first innings against Afghanistan. The innings revolved around their age-old three musketeers - skipper Craig Ervine (75), Sikandar Raza (61) and Sean Williams (49) with only two others managing to reach double digits. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan picked up 4 wickets while fast bowler Yamin Ahmadzai picked up 3. We roughly have an hour's play left there, so the hosts will aim for 2-3 wicket

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! CRASH! This lad is simply loving it now.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! Some innovative shots on display now. Another short ball, around off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton leaps and punches it through the covers, for a boundary. The stand moves to 171.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Short again from Aamer Jamal, over off, Ryan Rickelton miscues his pull to square leg where Babar Azam fails to cling on to the ball cleanly but makes sure not to concede a single.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! Woah, not a conventional shot from Ryan Rickelton, but nicely done! Short and outside off, Ryan Rickelton hops back and swats it off the lower half of his bat through mid off for a boundary. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Short of a length, on middle, Ryan Rickelton nails the pull straight to square leg again. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Slower through the air, around middle and leg, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! CRACK! He loves facing spin, doesn't he?

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, A bit quicker on this occasion, full on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Slower through the air, full and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma blocks. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to point. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, TOP EDGE, ! A rare shot in anger by the young lad and it has gone nowhere near where he wanted it to, but it still gives him runs. Might as well visit a casino after Stumps.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, A short ball again, outside off, the skipper hops and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, A short ball again, angling away, Ryan Rickelton jumps and punches it behind point. There seemed to be an easy two with deep third having a lot of real estate to cover to his left, but one suspects that Temba Bavuma does not want to stretch his hamstring. In fact, even before the single was completed, Bavuma yelled out a loud no to his partner.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good shot and even better effort in the field!

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma leans a bit and drives it to deep point for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Length, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma stays in the crease and turns it to mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Thrown up, outside off, Ryan lashes out the cover drive but find cover.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Slower through the air, a bit of turn from leg stump, but Rickelton smothers it.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, Ryan Rickelton defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Pitched up, on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. This also brings up the 150-run stand between these two batters. Cruising along nicely!

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Looped on leg, fuller in length, Temba Bavuma turns it to mid-wicket where Shan Masood fails to collect the ball cleanly allowing the batters a single. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on middle, Bavuma lunges and pats it to cover.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, around off, Temba Bavuma gets across and nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, First real loose shot from a batter today. Or at least, in this partnership. Pakistan are looking to persist with the short ball ploy and Jamal gets it well above the shoulder, down the leg side. Ryan Rickelton looks to pull but misses. Nearly gloves it to the keeper behind.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, on middle and leg, coming in with the angle, Temba Bavuma clips it off his pads behind square on the leg side for one.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to mid on.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Short of a length, over off, Temba Bavuma lets it pass as he half ducks under it. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, around middle, Bavuma pushes this down to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! 'NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI NAHI' goes Mohammad Rizwan on the stump mic. We all know what that means.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Keeps the length full and gives the ball some more air, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it to mid-wicket. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on off, Temba Bavuma lunges to block.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Tosses it nicely, on off, fuller in length, Ryan Rickelton drives it to long off for a single.

Tough situation to be in, if you are Shan Masood right now. Should you curtail the runs or risk leaking boundaries, by keeping the field up, in pursuit of wickets? Deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, deep backward square leg and fine leg were in place in that previous Jamal over. It all depends on opining whether the glass is half full or half empty. Possibly, Masood has kept that field for Bavuma, as the latter likes to go for the pull and hook. But that also allows easy singles and rotation of

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller this time, around middle, seaming in, Temba Bavuma comes forward and tucks it to mid on for no run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, from over the wicket, coming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it to gully off the front foot. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma dabs it to short third.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, On a short of a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton swivels back, rolls his wrists on the ball and pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Full and on off, Temba Bavuma taps it to backward point and jogs to the other end. 

Meanwhile, it is good news from Bulawayo. We thought that will be it for the day, but the rain has come and gone and play has resumed on Day 2, with 34 overs still left in the day. Zimbabwe are 222/8, leading by 65 runs against Afghanistan. Oh dear, but it is bad news from Cape Town.  After hitting that six, Temba Bavuma immediately called for the physio, to take a look at his left hamstring. He was limping instantly after that shot and is still huffing and puffing, just stretching his right l

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, ! DOWN THE GROUND! What a timing on this one! 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full outside off, Temba Bavuma comes down the track to defend it.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length down by a bit and keeps it at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to deep cover for one more.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 200 up for South Africa!

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Full, on off, Ryan Rickelton drives it to long off for a single.

How good has this Test cycle 2023-25 been for South Africa? Ryan Rickelton's century becomes the 12th instance of a century from the rainbow nation, in the 12th match. In the previous two WTC cycles (2019-21 and 2021-23), they played a total of 28 Tests, but managed just 10 centuries! The future looks really, really exciting for the Saffas.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Full around off, from over the wicket, seaming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of cover and runs off for a quick single but is sent back by Ryan Rickelton.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the deck hard, short ball, around middle, above the shoulders, Ryan Rickelton pulls it along the ground to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the front foot. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, ! Easy pickings this for Rickelton! 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Very similar to the last one, very full and charging in at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton drives but cant get it past mid on. 

Interesting. We all know that Test records get added in First-class records. Adding this century, Ryan Rickelton now has more centuries than 50s in First-class cricket!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it straight onto the stumps, very full, Ryan Rickelton drives it straight to mid on. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Drags his length, around middle, turning in, Temba Bavuma tucks it to square leg off the back foot to end the over.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, A solid defense after coming down the track on this full ball, just outside off.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Comes from over the wicket and keeps it nice and full, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma goes deep in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton pulls it along the ground wide of deep fine leg for a couple of runs. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets room to cut it off the back foot wide of deep point for a single.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, wide outside off, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton works it wide of point with ease for a single to get off the strike.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Goes full and at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton blocks it down the deck. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Length, over off, Ryan Rickelton waits back and punches it wide of mid off for a couple of runs. 

Aamer Jamal will bowl from the other end. 6-0-27-0 so far.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Starts from around the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a length, over off, Ryan Rickelton punches it down the strip, back to the bowler. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Flighted full, outside off, Temba Bavuma comes down the track and drives it to mid off. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, around middle and off, Temba Bavuma gets a good stride out and blocks.

Welcome back for the final session. A yawning 40 overs left in the day's play. 40, that's correct! We have barely had any stoppage in play, including the time lost to take Saim Ayub off the field and bring in a replacement helmet for Temba Bavuma. It might sound as a reason, but having 4 fast bowlers cannot be an excuse for bowling only 50 overs in two sessions. Only 9 overs of spin have been used but in reality, they are lacking a proper spinner. Salman Agha to start proceedings post Tea. 8

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Darts the first one full, on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it back to the bowler. 

... DAY 1, FINAL SESSION ...

Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, the hosts have reached 220/8 in response to Afghanistan's 157 on the second day of the second Test in Bulawayo. After losing their first 4 wickets for 41, the hosts restored faith through Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine, only to slip again from 112/4 to 147/7. However, a 73-run stand between Sean Williams and Craig Ervine has taken the hosts past the 50-run lead. Rashid Khan has been the tormentor in chief, with 3 wickets and will aim to finish this innings quickly now, pr

Perfect planning for South Africa. They counterattacked but it was not like a Sam Konstas show. It was proper, technically correct, Test cricket. Ryan Rickelton is looking a million dollars today while Temba Bavuma continues his new-found form, reaching his 5th 50-plus score, in last 7 innings in Tests. If Pakistan continue to bowl the way they did in the second session, anticipating roughly 30 overs in the final session, the Proteas could be looking to end the day with 300 on the board. Th

One still feels that this is not a pitch where a new batter can come in and score runs at will. So Pakistan will have to believe that 184/3 can become 200/5 and eventually 250 all out. Because if they don't, the 150-minute session is going to be nothing short of a leather-chasing one. With the over rate so appalling that we have managed only 50 overs in 4 hours, we will definitely go into the extended half hour. But still, we could finish with as many as 8 or 7 overs short.

Nothing has changed. The pitch is still the same, the batters are also the same and so are the bowlers. But the mindset has changed. Pakistan bowled tight lines in the opening session and got the ball to talk. Accordingly, the Proteas gave respect, but also fell into a shell. Come the second session, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma started to counterattack and all of a sudden, the visitors lost their lines and lengths, with the result for everyone to see.

Magnificent session for South Africa. 112/0 in 27.1 overs. Complete contrast to how the first session went, where batting seemed difficult. The hosts came out, looked to counterattack and Pakistan have fallen flat on their back side.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, A little bit quicker, on middle, TB flicks it straight to short mid-wicket. TEA ON DAY 1, SH AFRICA ARE 184/3!

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, Slower again, around off, Temba comes forward and smothers the ball.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Kamran Ghulam to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, On the pads, Bavuma comes forward and drives it through mid off for a single. Well, the third umpire does not like the landing. NO BALL signalled for Ghulam's overstepping.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, Down the leg side, Temba Bavuma pats it down.

Kamran Ghulam to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, spinning away, left alone.

Well, we might have another over before Tea. The clock has not ticked past 3.10 pm in Cape Town.

Final ball before Tea? Abbas is definitely trying to ensure it might be. Taking an age to bowl this last ball.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Good length again, around off, Ryan dabs it towards the off side.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, Rickelton stays back and blocks.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, on a good length, Ryan Rickelton punches it towards mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A short ball, angling in, tucked towards short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, 50 FOR BAVUMA! Job easily done.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, Temba Bavuma drives it straight back, where the bowler stops to his right. There is a silly mid on in place as well.

Around 5 minutes for Tea. Will Bavuma get to 50 before the break? Not that it will matter to him whether he gets it now or later.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Finally a slower ball. Tossed up, around middle, but RR is calm enough to block it out.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Another missile, from around the wicket, on middle, Ryan defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Arrowed on the pads, Rickelton stabs it towards the leg side.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker, around off, Ryan Rickelton punches it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, around off, Temba Bavuma works it towards long on for a single, to move to 49. 7 minutes to go to Tea.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off and middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket to end the over.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, from around the stumps, just outside off, coming in, Ryan Rickelton presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma dabs it wide of point and takes a single. He moves to 48 gradually as all eyes have been on Rickelton. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Short and over middle and off, Bavuma sways away. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Full and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma opens the bat face just a bit and with very soft hands guides it to deep third for a couple of runs. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, into the stumps, Rickelton clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, around off, turning in, Temba Bavuma keeps it back to the bowler to end the over and gives back the strike to the centurion. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, On a nagging length, outside off, turning away, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to sweeper cover and takes a single to get off the strike. 

The entire crowd is on its feet.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, AND HUNDRED FOR RYAN RICKELTON! 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Floats it up, nice and full, on off, Ryan Rickelton eases his drive back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Focus on Rickelton again. He is on 99 and has got a full over to try and get to that milestone.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Slightly fuller than the previous one, around off, coming in, Temba Bavuma blocks it off the front foot. Ryan Rickelton will be on the strike in the next over.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, The slip has out! On a good length again, around off, seaming in, Temba Bavuma keeps it down from the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, from over the wicket, Temba Bavuma comes forward to defend it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls over to mid-wicket. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Angling in, very full and on leg, Bavuma flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Fuller than a good length, at the stumps, Temba Bavuma clips it to mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, on middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to cover. 

Right then. Anticipation building. Ryan Rickelton is on 99. Will Shan Masood crowd men around his bat? The field does come in. But just a slip and short leg at close in, for the catch.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No, he will take another bowl to reach his hundred! Flighted full, around off, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton moves forward and defends it with the full face of the bat. The wait continues! 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full and on middle and off, Temba Bavuma lunges and keeps it out.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Floats it up, on off, Temba Bavuma steers it to cover-point.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, ! SLASHED! Moves to 99! 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and defends it with the straight bat.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the back foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length down by a bit and keeps it on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it into the off-stump line, from wider on the crease, on a fuller length, Ryan Rickelton is solid in his defence. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller in length, on off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it right under his eyes.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, around off, turning in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the back foot.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Slows it up and keeps it full, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma leans on and defends.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Pitched up, around off and turning away a bit, Ryan Rickelton watches the ball closely and opts to let it pass. 

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, ! Temba Bavuma is playing straightly and well! Goes fuller, around middle, from over the stump, coming in, Temba Bavuma transfers his weight onto the front foot and plays a on drive to the left of mid on for a boundary. He in into the 40s now.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, from over the stump, around off, Temba Bavuma works it to cover with ease.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Lands it on a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma blocks off the back foot.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from wider on the crease and digs it in short, over middle, Ryan Rickelton pulls it all along the ground to deep square leg for a single. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Keeps it short, but onto the leg stump now, turning in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it wide of square leg for a single to retain the strike. 

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Comes around the wicket, short around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down off the back foot.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Flighted full, around off, Temba Bavuma comes forward and clips it down the ground to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full again, just around off stump, Temba Bavuma blocks it to cover.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Double change. Salman Agha returns. 3-0-3-1 so far.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tosses it up, on off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma opens the face of the bat and guides it wide of point for a single with soft hands. He will retain the strike. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around leg, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A solid defense! Good length, around off, angling in, from around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton defends it with the straight bat right under his eyes.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, this time Rickelton gets across and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas has been brought back on. 8-0-27-1 so far.

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, Full and just outside off, Temba Bavuma just taps it towards the off side. Seeing cover and point pretty deep, he calls Rickelton through and the single is easily completed. One cannot guage the frustration in Abbas' mind. There was never a single on that ball.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Four!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! A misfield and a boundary for Ryan! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full and just around off, Ryan Rickelton taps it to the leg side.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, this time Bavuma puts bat to ball, punching it through cover-point for a single. The stand moves to 70 (87).

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, coming in, Temba Bavuma knows where his off stump is and lets the ball go, assuredly.

DRINKS BREAK. Don't really know what to expect from Pakistan. They were looking down and out before the first Drinks break, but suddenly had a rocking second hour. Then, with all the momentum in their favour heading into the Lunch break, they have come out and dished out some really innocuous stuff. They have conceded 69 runs in this hour, in 14.1 oveers - which is just 3 shy of the entire quota conceded in the opening session! This pitch is tricky to bat on but it is equally tricky for bowlers

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Two again but to the left of Aamer Jamal this time! 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Much fuller, around middle, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton drives it to mid on off the front foot. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, ! AMAZING!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, just outside off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton defends it off the front foot to cover to end the over.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, around off, coming in, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of cover and runs off for a quick single.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, tapped to the off side.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, outside off, driven towards mid off.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, LEG BYES! Good length, from around the wicket, down the leg, around hips, angling in. Temba Bavuma wants to clip it but misses it as the ball kisses the pads and runs away to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Comes over the wicket now, Short of a length, just outside off, above the shoulders height, Ryan Rickelton keeps it down to square leg for a single. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 2 runs.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, on off, keeps a tad bit low off the deck but Ryan Rickelton does well to gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Short and on middle and off, sits up nicely for Rickelton. He swivels back quickly and pulls it to deep square leg for a couple of runs. This also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Full and on leg, Temba Bavuma clips it off his pads to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

After what can be described as a slow start to this year's WTC, South Africa are finding themselves in a nice groove at the moment. It is no coincidence that they have qualified for the final, with newbies taking the limelight. We might be used to the likes of the Markrams, the Bavumas and the Rabadas doing the job, but these last 12 months have been different.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Angling away, full and well outside off, Temba Bavuma sees the ball go past to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton tucks it in front of mid-wicket and gets to the other end. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Very full, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid off.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, outside off, slanting away, Bavuma shoulders arms again.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Fine shot! 10 runs off this over on return for Khurram Shahzad! Full and on off, Ryan Rickelton frees his arms and drives it straight past the bowler and beats mid off to his left. 

Khurram Shahzad to Temba Bavuma, Steams in from over the wicket and keeps it on off, on a length, Temba Bavuma steers it with deft hands to backward point for one. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a fuller length, on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton just turns it in front of deep square leg and gets a single. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton,Landed outside off, a touch wider, left alone.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! SWEET! This is almost a carbon copy of the previous shot but while that one was stopped, there is no stopping this one.

One of the key admiring factors in Ryan Rickelton's knock has been his business. He has scored 8 fours in his 63, in 92 balls. So 32 have come in 8 deliveries. But then, the remaining 31 have come in 84 balls. That might be slow but that was predominantly in that second hour before Lunch, where Rickelton saw wickets falling around him. Post Lunch, South Africa have strode out positively, scoring 30 runs in 8.5 overs thus far. Ryan himself has scored 13 (19) since the break. After a frustrating

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, Ryan Rickelton drives it through the covers but it is well stopped by the fielder.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Puts extra efforts and digs it short, over off, Temba Bavuma sways away from the firing line and lets it pass. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and well outside off, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, pushed towards mid on.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton defends.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, ! Helped on its way but not that far from Mohammad Rizwan! 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Angling into middle and off, on a back of a good length, Ryan Rickelton just nudges it on the leg side and the batter squeeze in a quick single.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller this time, on off, Ryan Rickelton leans on and blocks it to cover.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, EDGED, ! Well, lucky for Rickelton but he deserves that luck, doesn't he? Ask that question to Jamal or Masood and let us know what they feel.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, This one does come in with the angle, outside off, Rickelton pushes it back to the bowler.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Full and just around off, seemed like the ball moved away late. Ryan Rickelton was shaping up to flick the ball through the leg side, with the ball coming in with the angle but it seemed like after pitching, the cherry held its shape a bit and almost squared the batter up. But he adjusted well to push the ball to the off side. That's why, you are never in, on this pitch.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, Outside off and Bavuma is unbothered as he lets it go past him to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a fuller length, on off, Temba Bavuma stays rooted in the crease and taps it to cover. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Close call.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Over the wicket to the left-hander, on a good length, outside off, angling in, Ryan Rickelton stays back and blocks it back to Hamza.

Have to give it to Pakistan for being very disciplined for almost throughout this inning so far. They have conceded 13 boundaries, but barring 2 or 3, the rest have been due to good batting, rather than loose bowling. Not to forget the fact - we are done with 28 overs - but the visitors have not conceded a single extra. Not even a leg bye. If any, it is the over rate which is a concern. Sadly, with Pakistan not in the reckoning for the WTC final, docked points due to slow over rate or even mon

Mir Hamza to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, from around the wicket, around off, Temba Bavuma comes forward to defend but the ball arrows in and scoots off the inner half of the bat through short leg. A single taken.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Hit the deck kind of a delivery, on middle and leg, on a length, Ryan Rickelton turns it down on the leg side. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the wicket and goes very full, on off, Ryan Rickelton firms his drive but straight to mid off.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma dabs it in front of square leg and scampers across for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller this time, just outside off, seaming away, Temba Bavuma comes forward and drives it to cover for no run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, from over the wicket, just outside off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton guides it wide of gully for a single to start the over. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Full, on middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and the batters look to squeeze in a quick single but decide against it and rightfully so. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Pushes this one through, fuller and outside off, Temba Bavuma gets closer to the line and covers his stumps before making a leave. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, on middle, Temba Bavuma works it straight to mid on. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it wide of square leg for a single and gets off the strike.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

A bit surprising to be honest, to see the same bowling pair - Jamal and Agha - to operate after Lunch. Whenever there is such a big break, there is always a window of opportunity for wickets. The batters need some time to get themselves adjusted to the conditions - even the set batters - at least for an over or two and that's where Pakistan might have missed a mark. Maybe, the combination could have been that of Abbas and Khurram, at least for the first 10-15 minutes.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton cuts it with an angled bat towards deep third for a single.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Attacks the stumps, on a tight length, Bavuma just nudges it with soft hands to cover-point region for a single. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Drags his length this time, around middle, angling in, Temba Bavuma clips it off the back foot now for a couple of runs to deep square leg.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Four!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, outside off, angling away, from around the wickets, Ryan Rickelton opens up the face of the bat lately and guides it to deep point for a single to start the over. He is continuously rotating the striker very neatly. 

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, right at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Darts it full, on leg, Temba Bavuma looks to flick it off his pads but misses out. The ball thuds him low on the back pad.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, Very full, on middle, Temba Bavuma taps it to mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, On a nagging length, around leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it off the back foot to square leg for a single.

Hmmm... something definitely has happened in that hour prior to Lunch, especially after that Drinks break. South Africa were 52/0 in the first hour but managed only 20/3 in the next. Adding further, Ryan Rickelton was on 36 (41) at Drinks. In the next hour, he managed just 14 (32). Natalie Germanos on air informs us that Rickelton spent 27 deliveries in the 40s! He was on 40 (46) but reached the 50-mark only on the 73rd ball. So maybe, there was something definitely happening.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Keeps the line tighter and angles it in, on middle and leg, on a length, Temba Bavuma tucks it across to the leg side.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, ! Soft hands to get off the mark! On a length, around middle and off, Temba Bavuma waits for the ball to arrive and opens the bat face a bit to just tap it through the gully region for a boundary.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Angling into the batter, on a back of a length, Temba Bavuma gently dabs it down the deck. 

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, around middle and leg, angling in, the ball climbs onto the batter. Temba Bavuma looks to keep it down but gets through the gloves. No harm is done! 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around middle, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it wide of mid on and takes a single to start the over.

Who will it be?

Welcome back. We have had a tour around the world and finally headed back home, to see skipper Temba Bavuma come out to bat with a new bat sponsor, as per Shaun Pollock on air.

Salman Agha to Temba Bavuma, No run.

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

We talked about sluggish cricket. It seems like this new year is going to see a start of sluggish batting, especially in Tests. This current South Africa-Pakistan Test is on those lines, while the neighbours of both countries are involved in another slow tussle. Interestingly, the 5th and final Test match between Australia and India in Sydney could also be bordering on the same lines. For now, the world might just rule out India's 185 as a sub-par score but that pitch certainly did not seem like

Just peeping over in the neighbourhood, after a high-scoring draw in the first Test, the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is making for some compulsive viewing in Bulawayo. It might seem sluggish, but a great contest is ensuing between bat and ball. After being bowled out for 157, Afghanistan struck back this morning to have the hosts reduced to 41/4, but since then, Sikandar Raza and skipper Craig Ervine have arrested the slide. They are currently in a stand of 70, taking the score

Quite a bit of a chatter in the Pakistan camp, about where the slip fielders should be or should have been standing. Quite a few edges fell short and it is but natural for fast bowlers or viewers to demand the fielders to come forward. But it is not all that easy. Whenever the slips are positioned, they follow the wicketkeeper. The keeper takes his mark and the first slip then stands BEHIND him. Then, accordingly, the second slip fielder stands ahead of him, almost parallel to where the keeper

Disappointing time for South Africa in the dressing room, but it has just been one session. This does not look like a pitch which is going to yield 400-500 runs, so 300 should be a good total on this surface. Add to the fact that a new batter is not going to find it easy, maybe, we may not see too many half centurions. Instead, we could see batters score between 25 and 40 and then get out. In that case, the home side needs to aim towards building on partnerships. If Ryan Rickelton gets good su

It will be a very happy Azhar Mahmood for now, in that Pakistan dressing room, their bowling coach. But he would certainly not happy with what transpired before those three wickets fell. Abbas could have had Markram on the first ball of the match, only for Nitin Menon to disagree and quite a few edges questioned the positioning of the slip fielders. In short, the home side could have easily been 5 or 6 down by Lunch. The other thing - if Saim Ayub's scans return a ligament tear or a fracture of

That's where Ryan Rickelton's knock turns out to be a supreme one. The conditions may not seem so, but they definitely have been challenging. However, he seems to be batting on a completely different surface. He is striking at around 70 while the others have not even touched 50. The Proteas still have some batting to come but if Pakistan can work on the fact that it is not easy to score for a new batter and keep building up the dots, eventually, they might string up a collapse.

Building on the previous para, hard to fathom what just happened in those last 30-40 minutes. It is not as if Pakistan found some zip in their bowling or the pitch started to play some tricks. South Africa were coasting along at 61/0 but then, in a flash, they find 3 batters back in the pavilion. A close look at the scorecard tells you one more thing. Barring Ryan Rickelton, no one has looked at ease on this pitch. Markram was involved in a 61-run opening stand but he was a shy of his old sel

Just the kind of pitch which will suit the slower bowlers. Maybe, it is a blessing in disguise for Pakistan that Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are not playing in this game, as both clock above 140 kph and pace could be a bowler's enemy on this deck. It seems more like a subcontinental pitch, where you just hone in on the right line and length as consistently as possible and try to wear the batters' patience out. To their credit, Pakistan's bowlers have been reasonably good, barring the one-odd

Well, well, well - what a wonderful last 40-odd minutes or so for Pakistan. They could have had a couple of wickets with the new ball, but could not and were seemingly looking flat, especially in the field. They even dropped a catch after Drinks. But suddenly, Khurram Shahzad got the opening and the home side, from being in a dominant position, have slipped down to a precarious one at the break.

Salman Agha to Tristan Stubbs, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Spin does strike for Pakistan! Nothing really special though about this delivery but Pakistan will not mind. They will head towards that dressing room with much more comfort as LUNCH HAS BEEN CALLED FOR. This was delivered with the arm, outside off, but Stubbs chose to poke at it, trying to read it from the pitch. All he manages is a thick outside edge to the keeper where Mohammad Rizwan makes no mistake. Third catch for him, being involv

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, 50 FOR RYAN RICKELTON!

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Salman Agha to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Although Mohammad Abbas is a stump-to-stump bowler, Ramiz Raja on air opines that this is not a pitch where targetting the stumps will yield results. He reckons that perhaps targetting the 6th or 7th stump outside off will help produce wickets as the bounce is a bit tentative in that area.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and wider outside off, Tristan gets across and shoulders arms.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length wide outside off, Tristan Stubbs shoulders arms.

Aamer Jamal to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length again, but this time from over the stumps, around middle, coming in, Tristan Stubbs blocks it right under his eyes. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, A quick single! Hard length, around middle, nips back in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to mid on and runs off for a single. The fielder takes an aim to throw at the non striker's end but misses it. No harm is done!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Good length, around off and middle, from around the wicket, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket with ease.

Mohammad Abbas to Tristan Stubbs, No run.

Any Lunch watchman, if there is any such term? Nope. Tristan Stubbs walks out at number 4, replacing Wiaan Mulder.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! The machine strikes in his second spell, with around 10 minutes to go for Lunch. Mulder's return to the side is not a fruitful one.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Full, just outside off, Wiaan Mulder gets across and defends it towards point.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Drags his length, around middle and leg, angling in, Ryan Rickelton tucks it wide of mid on for a quick single. He moves to 48 now.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 2 runs.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A sold defense to start the over! Good length, just outside off, from around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the front foot. 

Interestingly. after that latest missed opportunity in the 18th over, Khurram Shahzad asked his slip fielders to come a foot or two ahead. But they cannot move unless the keeper does so! Is Mohammad Rizwan not comfortable enough to gather the balls by coming forward?

Aamer Jamal to Wiaan Mulder, Sloppy. And it is the same guy who shelled Aiden Markram before Drinks - the substitute, Abdullah Shafique. On a length, outside off, Mulder punched it through the covers, straight to Shafique.

Aamer Jamal to Wiaan Mulder, Full and straight, Wiaan Mulder comes forward and defends it towards mid off.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Full, angling into the pads, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and defends it with the full face of the bat. Three dots in a row!

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, A yorker, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton digs it out to mid on for no run. 

Aamer Jamal to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the wicket, good length, outside off, angling in, Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms to let it go. 

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Outside off, a touch wide, left alone.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller, around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, ! Fine shot.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Drags his length, just outside off, Wiaan Mulder goes on the back foot and guides it to point. 

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Wiaan Mulder, Full around off, from over the stumps, coming in, Wiaan Mulder blocks it off the front foot. 

Kass Naidoo on air informs us that this current unit of South Africa has won 6 Tests on the trot, one win away from equalling the legendary Graeme Smith's unit of 2012-13, who had managed 7 on the trot. The most wins in succession in Tests for the Proteas has been 9, way back in 2002, also under Biff. Only difference - he was in infancy under captaincy at that time.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller and just around off, solidly defended by Rickelton.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, watchfully defended.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! That's one is a regulation!

How time changes everything. The last time South Africa played a Test at Newlands, which was a year ago, they batted first and were bowled out for 55. Today, their opening wicket fell on 61. More on that wicket - just before that dismissal, on 15.1, Ryan Rickelton had helped one through square leg and settled for the single. But then, there was a fumble and Rickelton was eager to take the second, only for Markram to say NO. The next thing everyone knows, no more of Markram in this innings. He

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, Honing in at the stumps, on a fuller length, Wiaan Mulder blocks it back to the bowler. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, Full again, on middle and leg, Wiaan Mulder taps it to the right of square leg and looks to sneak in a single but is sent back by Rickelton. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller than a length, into the pads, Wiaan Mulder gets his bat in front and tucks it to square leg. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, A confident defense! Good length, around off, Wiaan Mulder draws his front leg forward and blocks it right under his eyes. 

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Mir Hamza to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Meanwhile, news is coming from the Pakistan camp that Saim Ayub has been sent to the hospital for a suspected twist in his right ankle. That's really bad news. Because looking at him when he got that injury, Ayub was not even able to stand properly. So that might just rule him out of this Test completely, unless he manages to recover a bit to at least be able to bat. Given that he is an opener as well, that will hurt Pakistan big time as A - they will have to reshuffle their batting order and

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, End of a successful over from Khurram Shahzad! Full and on middle and off, Ryan Rickelton offers a solid front foot block. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Short of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton ducks under it. 

Khurram Shahzad to Wiaan Mulder, Angling into the stumps, on a length, Wiaan Mulder turns it around in front of square leg and gets a single to go off the mark. 

Khurram Shahzad to Wiaan Mulder, No run.

Wiaan Mulder walks in at number 3, replacing Aiden Markram.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, ! GONE! An appeal for the caught behind and the umpire has raised his finger! He walks off! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, down the leg, around hips, Ryan Rickelton helps it to deep fine leg for a single to start the over. 

Vernon Philander on air opines that before the day's play, the groundstaff trimmed the grass on the wicket. Maybe, that's why some of the balls are sitting up on the surface and coming a tad late, while the edges are dying short of the slip cordon. What that also could indicate is - once the ball gets older, close-in fielders might come into play - like a short mid-wicket, or a short cover. Spin could play a key role in the days to come if the sun keeps beating down hard on the pitch.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Goes full and outside off, Ryan Rickelton leans on and just nudges it to mid off and calls for a quick single. The fielder tries to hit the stumps at the bowling end but misses. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, On a length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton gets closer to the line and taps it to cover.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton punches it to mid off.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Easy twos! Hard length, wide outside off, angling away, Ryan Rickelton gets enough room to free his arms as he slices it nicely wide of point for a couple of runs. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! WHAT A TIMING! Much fuller, around middle and leg, from over the stumps, seaming in. Ryan Rickelton comes forward and flicks it off the front foot to the right of mid on for a boundary to start the over. He is into 40s now.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Oh dear, A chance has been by Abdullah Shafique! 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Digs it in short and over middle and leg, Aiden Markram ducks underneath to let it pass. 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, On a good length, just in and around that off-stump line, Aiden Markram taps it down the deck. 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Full again, angling into the pads, Aiden Markram flicks it to mid on off the front foot.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Goes fuller this time, around off and middle, seaming in, Aiden Markram comes forward and blocks it comfortably.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Starts with a back-of-a-length ball, around off, the ball rides on the bounce, Aiden Markram presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Very surprised to see Pakistan not move their slip fielders around. We have seen around 3-4 edges not carrying to the slip cordon. It is not necessarily that the pitch being slow could be the reason, but it could be one of the reasons. However, the other thing is that with no Shaheen or Naseem, Pakistan are missing bowlers who can touch the 140 kmph mark. So in such cases, it is the duty of the keeper to move ahead a couple of steps. Accordingly, the slip cordon will respond.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Drags the length down by a bit and continues to charge at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton clips it to mid-wicket. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Very full again, but down leg, Ryan Rickelton misses out on cashing in as he plays inside the line and the ball zips through to the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Goes full and attacks the stumps does Hamza, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to mid on. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Similar length, around middle, seaming in, Aiden Markram hops up and clips it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the strike. 

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, First ball after the drinks! Good length, around off, from over the stumps, Aiden Markram keeps it down with ease off the front foot.

DRINKS BREAK. South Africa's hour, without a doubt. But it could have been so much different had that first ball decision been otherwise and the slip cordon had been a bit more improvising. Mohammad Abbas could have got a wicket on the very first ball of the match of Aiden Markram, but it wasn't to be. There were further chances created but the edges have been dying short of the slip cordon. South Africa have been patient, understanding that in the first hour, the new ball will do its stuff.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, angling in a bit, off a length, Ryan Rickelton watches the ball closely and opts to let it go past at the very end. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Not very convincing but that boundary brings the 50-run stand between this new opening pair! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Gets the gap this time. He tried once in Khurram's previous over but it got stopped. A back of a length, outside off, Rickelton stays back, opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point. The ball races away. Moves to 32 (38).

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller and straighter, Ryan Rickelton pushes it towards mid on.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just around off, watchfully defended.

25. That's the number of overs in succession that Mohammad Abbas has bowled, adding to his 19 in the second innings of that opening Test. Remember a Test match where Sajid Khan seemed to bowl for an eternity - 28 or 30 overs at a stretch, something like that - but that was in an inning alone. Think it was against England recently.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Back of a good length, on middle and off, Aiden Markram blocks it to mid off.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Edged and falls short of slip again! That's the second time the ball hasn't carried to the slip cordon. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Hits the length right, just in and around that off-stump line, Aiden Markram taps it to cover. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A bit too straight now.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A shorter ball, punched to the off side.

No Naseem? For those wondering as to why has Naseem Shah been rested, the word from the Pakistan camp is that he has reported some stiffness in his back. One understands that this is an important game for Pakistan - maybe not from a WTC point of view, but from a series-levelling point of view. However, one cannot also forget that the Asian giants are playing plenty of cricket in the coming days. They are scheduled to play a 2-match Test series against West Indies at home

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, Similar line and length and Markram offers another good block off the back foot. 

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Aiden Markram, No run.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Much straighter from Khurram, Ryan stays back and nurdles it through fine leg for a single.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Great effort. Fractionally short outside off and a touch wide as well. Guess that is the first real loose ball of the morning. Rickelton punches it through point but the fielder dives to his left and takes some pace off the shot. Keeps the batters to a couple.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton stays back and defends.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, ! Was briefly in the air, but Markram seems to have gotten it perfectly through the gap. Back of a length, outside off, Aiden Markram shifts his weight back and punches it with a slightly opened face to steer it through the gap between backward point and gully. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Fuller than a good length, just outside off, Aiden Markram shuffles across a bit to cover the line and blocks it back to the bowler. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Good length, coming into the batter, on middle and off, Aiden Markram stays rooted in the crease and punches it to mid on. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Tighter line but Aiden is on the walk again. Blocks it back to the bowler.

It is good to see Khurram Shahzad target coming around the wicket in his first over itself. Normally, fast bowlers don't switch sides till they have got some rhythm in their bowling. Unless of course, you are Bumrah, who gets up everyday with a set rhythm in his body. The main reason why Khurram is coming around the wicket to Rickelton is because he dismissed the southpaw from that angle in both innings of the first Test. Nearly got him for the third straight time with that angle.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Landed just around off, Markram comes forward and confidently pushes the ball towards cover.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a good length, outside off, moving away slightly, Aiden Markram feels for it but misses.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Edged but falls short of the fielder at second slip! 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Similar line but the length is pushed further by a bit, outside off, Ryan Rickelton taps it in front of cover.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, ! Nicely done! Back of a length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton hops back and waits for the ball to come to him before just pushing it past backward point for a boundary. 

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, again wide outside off, shouldered arms to, by Ryan Rickelton.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, A touch wider outside off, left alone.

Abdullah Shafique is the substitute in for Saim Ayub. The latter still looks in a lot of pain and this might be really concerning. Word is going around that he might need some scans on that right shin. He is GOING OFF THE GROUND ITSELF now. Might be taken to the hospital soon. The bad thing is - he is not able to walk without support. Does not look good at all. Meanwhile, here comes the first bowling change - Khurram Shahzad.

Khurram Shahzad to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, watchfully defended.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Angling in, on a length, around middle and leg, Aiden Markram leans on and tucks it off his pads in front of square leg. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a length this time, outside off, Aiden Markram holds his bat high and lets it go past. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Hits the deck on a short of a good length, on off, Aiden Markram covers the line and keeps it out. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, No run.

The physio is out in the middle now. Seems like Ayub has been hurt on his right shin. Oh dear - AYUB IS GOING OFF THE FIELD. A worried AZHAR MEHMOOD looks on from the Pakistan dressing room, their bowling coach.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, What's happened there? One of the Pakistan fielders is down on the ground. Think it is Saim Ayub.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Landed around middle, pushed to the leg side.

On a serious note, given that South Africa have already qualified for the WTC final, they do have the luxury of taking some more time before finalizing their bowling attack for that match. Possibly, as many as three teams could make that final as of now.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Ends with a dot! On a good length, around off, going away, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Markram!

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, ! CLASSY! Drives through the covers! Goes fuller, just outside off, from over the wicket, seaming away. Aiden Markram comes forward with the correct head position and drives it wide of cover for a boundary. 

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Full ball, wider outside off, let through once again.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Landed outside off, angling away, left alone.

One interesting reason as to why is Kwena Maphaka playing today. Rickelton, Mulder, Rabada and Maphaka belong to the same school in Johannesburg! So it's high school reunion then.

Mir Hamza to Aiden Markram, Fuller, around middle, Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid on.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Ends with a dot! Hard length, outside off, seaming away, Ryan Rickelton doesn't offer any shot at it. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full again, around off, angling in, from around the wicket, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the front foot back to the bowler.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, ! Deft touch.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Full and straight, pushed down to mid on.

Interesting. Ryan Rickelton is the 7TH player to be used as an opener by South Africa, in this edition of the World Test Championship. The next best is 5 each, by Australia and England. Markram and Rickelton become the 5th opening pair in this cycle, joint most along with Australia.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a good length, outside off, Aiden Markram rises with the bounce and pushes it towards point for a single.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! HE CASHES ON THIS ONE! 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, The ball is swinging much more! Full ball, wide outside off, shaping away, Ryan Rickelton moves across and shoulders arms to let it go. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly fuller, around middle, seaming in, Ryan Rickelton comes forward and defends it with the straight bat. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No run.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full and around off, Rickelton nudges it towards square leg.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full and just around middle, Ryan Rickelton probably walks into the shot a touch too early but manages to keep the ball out.

Big call from Mike Haysman on air. He predicts that Mohammad Abbas will bowl UNCHANGED till Tea. Wow, direct till Tea. Not even Lunch. Say, we could have roughly 55-56 overs by then? Unless you are in Sydney where the over rate was awful. That means, Abbas to bowl 27 overs at a stretch? Now, that might be a bit too far, won't it? We all know that he is called the machine, but surely, the machine also needs some rest?

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Ends with a dot! Good length, outside off, Aiden Markram shoulders arms to let it go. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Good running between the wickets! On a good length, on the fifth stump, straightens off the deck, Aiden Markram punches it off the back foot wide of cover and takes a couple of runs. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a good length, just outside off, Markram gets across and defends.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Lovely bowling. Full and outside off, nipping back in a long way. But Aiden Markram gets a big stride ahead and shoulders arms.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, A good length ball, from around the wicket, landing on middle stump. Ryan Rickelton gets across and nudges it towards fine leg for a single.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Ends with a single! Full again, around middle and leg, angling in, Ryan Rickelton nudges it wide of mid on and gets off the strike.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, ! CHIPPED IN! Much fuller, from over the wicket, in the slot, Ryan Rickelton is waiting for that length. He comes forward and flicks it down the ground to the right of mid on for a boundary. First one for him this morning. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Goes fuller, in the slot, just outside off, inviting the drive, shaping away. Ryan Rickelton doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through the keeper. 

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, More away movement this time. The length is held back by just a fraction, but the line is a tad wider outside off. Ryan lets it go past as well.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, No shape this time, but a lovely delivery nevertheless. Full and just outside off, Rickelton gets across and shoulders arms.

Mir Hamza to Ryan Rickelton, Full and outside off, immediately some shape for Hamza.

It will be Mir Hamza to share the ew cherry with Abbas.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, 1 run.

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full than the previous one, in the channel again, Ryan Rickelton tries to cover the off stump and blocks it out with ease. 

Mohammad Abbas to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, from over the wicket, just outside off, angling away. Ryan Rickelton goes deep in the crease and defends it with the full face of the bat. 

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, 1 run.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, No run.

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, SAVED BY THE UMPIRE'S CALL!

Wow. That is certainly some start from Abbas.

Nice, bright sunshine! How lovely to see these three words, isn't it? Gloomy in Sydney, not all that bright in Bulawayo, but at least, perfect conditions are there for the taking in Cape Town. The Pakistan team finishes its huddle and the players now disperse. Out walk the Protea openers - Aiden Markram and a new partner in Ryan Rickelton. It will be the previous match's hero, Mohammad Abbas to start off from where he finished, to Markram. Here we go...

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Shan Masood (C), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.