South Africa ended Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at 269/7 at St. George's Park, Gqeberha on Thursday, December 5. This came after Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first.
The visitors got off to a great start when Asitha Fernando sent off Tony de Zorzi for a golden duck in the second half. Aiden Markram had a quiet start but lost 20 seconds to become Lahiru Kumara's 100th Test victim. Kumara threw a Jaffa to get rid of Markram. The right-arm pacer dismissed Tristan Stubbs soon after as South Africa lost three wickets for 44 runs. Bavuma joined Ryan Rickeltonwho had replaced Wiaan Mulder in this duel.
The duo weathered the storm in Sri Lanka to form a much-needed 133-run partnership in 224 balls. Bavuma threw his wicket away after scoring a fluent 78. However, Rickelton continued his innings with great composure. David Bedingham was given a few reprieves, but he was able to make the most of it. The right-handed batsman was sent off for six.
South Africa needed wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne to support Rickelton as Sri Lanka were just a wicket away from being promoted to all-rounders. Rickelton and Verreynne kept the opposition bowlers at bay and added a crucial 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
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Rickelton batted superbly during his batting and scored his maiden international century. The southpaw made 101 off 250 deliveries after hitting 11 fours. The Proteas would have loved Rickelton to survive until Stumps. His wicket brought Marco Jansen into the crease. However, the all-rounder was the last batsman to be dismissed on the first day as Vishwa Fernando took his first wicket in the Test match.
The home team finished Day 1 with 269/7, with Verreynne remaining unbeaten on 48. He will be looking to take South Africa past the 300-run mark alongside the bottom-order side on Day 2 as the batting field looks quite good.
Here's how “X” users reacted to the intense action from day one:
Rickelton: “I won’t reveal playing an average pull shot and falling into the trap in my opinion.”
Morris: “Sorry, Dave” 🤣– naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin)
insisted Ryan Rickelton and the patience finally paid off. A brilliant hundred from the left-hander takes SA to 269/7 at the end of the first day. Captain Buvama played another brilliant innings while wicker-keeper Verreynne is still not out on 48
— Shahzad Farooq (@iShahzadFarooq)
Weekend filled with [ ]
TIME: 9:30 AM IST (Friday to Tuesday)
LIVE ON:STAR SPORTS & HOTSTAR [Port Elizabeth]
TIME: 1:30 PM IST (Thu-Mon)
LIVE ON: SPORTS-18 & JIOCINEMA [Wellington]
TIME: 3:30 a.m. (Friday to Tuesday)
LIVE ON: SONY SPORTS & SONY LIV– Ajay Srinivasan (@Ajaychairman)
Oh, the last two wickets gave SL the upper hand here. A good day of Test cricket.
— Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596)
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