South Africa dominated the second day of the second cricket Test against Pakistan in Cape Town, thanks to an incredible performance by Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton scored a massive 259 runs, his best-ever in Test cricket, helping South Africa reach an impressive total of 615 runs. By the end of the day, Pakistan was struggling at 64-3, trailing by a huge 551 runs.

Pakistan faced an uphill battle, especially since opener Saim Ayub was out of action after breaking his ankle on Friday. Their top order crumbled quickly as Kagiso Rabada dismissed captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel with sharp deliveries that found the outside edge. Marco Jansen added to Pakistan’s woes by clean-bowling Kamran Ghulam, leaving them reeling at 20-3 in just the ninth over. However, skipper Babar Azam, opening in place of Ayub, showed some fight with an unbeaten 31 off 77 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan supported him with nine not out.

Rickelton’s marathon innings lasted 10 hours and included 29 boundaries and four sixes. His brilliant knock was South Africa’s first Test double century in eight years. But the day wasn’t just about him—Kyle Verreynne also stole the spotlight with a blazing 100 runs, his fourth Test century, showcasing a variety of shots. The pair added 148 runs together, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers.

The day began with South Africa at 316-4, and Pakistan got an early breakthrough when Mohammad Abbas dismissed David Bedingham for Rizwan’s fifth catch behind the stumps. Verreynne survived two close lbw reviews early on but soon shifted gears, attacking Pakistan’s tired bowling attack. By lunch, South Africa had added 113 runs for just one wicket.

Rickelton quietly reached his double century with a single off Mir Hamza, celebrating with raised arms as his teammates and the crowd cheered him on. After lunch, Verreynne brought up his century off 144 balls, hitting nine boundaries and five sixes. He eventually fell trying a big shot off Salman Ali Agha and was caught at deep midwicket.

Rickelton continued to pile on runs alongside Marco Jansen, adding 86 for the seventh wicket before he top-edged a ball from Hamza to third slip just before tea. Jansen kept up the momentum with a quick-fire 62 off 54 balls, smashing eight boundaries and three sixes. Keshav Maharaj chipped in with 40 off 35 balls before South Africa’s innings finally came to an end.

Pakistan now faces an enormous challenge to avoid defeat as South Africa’s bowlers continue to dominate.