Second Test - Markram gone for 17

Lovely day in CT. Abbas in for a second spell to take us to lunch. Rickelton approaching a half century, but he needs to make it to lunch and not think about the milestone.

Zorzi, Paterson and Bosch left out of this one. Zorzi is injured, just as well cos he's been a bunny. But Bosch and Paterson did well...so who knows why they've been left out.

Abbas gets Mulder. Flashing at a length ball outside off. It's clearly missing everything and lunch is around the corner. But he flashes. Who is coaching these guys? Where is the plan? Where is the discipline? Proteas picking up where they left off, not being able to concentrate and play test cricket. Another low scoring one potentially on the cards. 70/2

And Stubbs edges one the keeper. 72/3. They'll be lucky to get 300 here. Rickelton got his half century and will be there with Bavuma after lunch.

Bavuma and Rickelton carrying after lunch without too much happening. If test cricket batting isn't boring then something ain't working. And it feels boring right now...so maybe we're headed for a nice afternoon session for the Proteas.

Rickelton up to 72 now, off of 97. He's opening up a little and punishing loose balls. Bavuma, on 18, needs to support him here.

125 for 3. Rickleton 77 and Bavuma 27. Not much happening off the pitch and ball 35 overs old now. That's all you need to do. Stay in, dont play stupid shots, and the runs will come. If these two can make it to tea time, that'll be huge for the Proteas.

Rickelton into the 90s now. Playing so lovely no-risk shots. 150 up for the Proteas

Rickleton on 95 now. Bavuma in 42. They need to get to their milestones and kick on. I don't like both of them being this close to a 100 and a 50 respectively. ...it creates a little too many nerves. If had to put money on it, I say one of them falls before the milestone. Even though the pitch is flat and they're both settled. Let's see if I'd have won some money....

Rickleton on 99 now... Damn, I hope he gets the 100

Commentators giving Rickleton big props here, deservedly so...he's been rock solid and playing beautifully. Lots of straight drives and no false shots. His first class average is 50. We need more of him.

99 and 45 for Rickleton and Bavuma respectively now. Still feels a bit nervy...

Rickleton facing a new over now and he's on 99.

AND THERE IT IS!!! Rickleton glances one down the leg side for 4 and gets 2nd Test century. Good job!!!

100 partnership up as well. Must give Bavuma props for how he's played too.

Bavuma gets to his milestone. Proteas set for big scoring this afternoon. 198/3 Bavuma 53 and Rickleton 117.

400 in the 1st innings here, and you're likely going to win. Ball is 54 overs old. New ball is still a way off. 400 might be far from here, but if our top 6 can get to 300, and the tail wags a touch getting us to 350, then I still be relatively comfortable. 200 up for the Proteas. Bavuma hits a six. Be nice if could get a 100 here.

Tea came and went, gave me just enough time to embarrass Denise on the thread she created. And Bavuma and Rickleton have demoralised Pakistan's bowling attack by continuing on as solidly after Tea as they did before.

Rickleton approaching 150 now... He just hit a big six over square leg and is on 144

264 for 3 now. Rickleton on 148 Bavuma on 89 Pakistan have been trying so many weird things to the partnership. Nothing is working for them. As I type this, Rickleton plays an imperious cover drive to take him to 152. Brilliant batting.

Bavuma got his 100 and then got out. Didn't see the dismissal but he helped put SA into a dominant position here.

https://www.gettyimages.co.nz/search/2/image?events=776261771&family=editorial

General views during day 1 of the 2nd Test between South Africa and Pakistan at World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground on January 03, 2025 in...

Hopefully Rickleton gets to 200. Not many Saffas have a test 200 to their names. Unless there is a major collapse this morning, it's looking there are a long few days ahead for Pakistan. In case people didn't know, there's an 18 year-old making his test debut for the Proteas. Kwena Maphaka - his average bowling speed is 145km/h with a fastest recorded ball of 152km/h. He's much in the vein of a Dale Steyn, where he's not very tall and skids its through at express pace. I've honestly not see a great of him apart from in the recent ODI...but word is that he's got 500 yeast crickets in him. St Stithians representing in the Proteas atm, with 4 of the current 11 from that school.

Abbas in to bowl the 2nd over of the day... Can he dig Pakistan out of trouble. I can see him taking some wickets this morning.

And Abbas takes his first with Bedingham flailing at a short and wide one. ...apart from the big partnership, the rest of the Saffas are still getting out in the same irresponsible ways.

Rickleton holding strong this morning and only needs 9 to get to 200. Verrynne has been okay, but looking a tad unsettled. ...Abbas bowling to Verrynne now and a nice little contest ensuing.

Rickleton on 199... He's been playing some great straight drives. And he punches one through the off, gets the single, and he's got 200. A rock solid innings. He's given Pakistan nothing. I can't recall a single false shot. Brilliant innings!!!

Verrynne on 49 now... Rickleton on 211 Pakistan in deep trouble here. The game is pretty much gone for them.

Howzit, Draad

Kyle gets 50. And the Proteas go past 400. 450 seems a feasible deceleration, particularly since one of Pakistan's batters is out the game after breaking his ankle in the field yesterday.

Lunch now, Proteas 429/5 Perhaps they'll try to bat until tea. They scored pretty quickly so could go well beyond 500 by then.

We already have enough. I would smash it from now until 12 overs before tea. Then have a bash at then before and after tea.

Rickleton on 247 now... He's about 30 away from the highest ever score by a Saffa test batter.