- Markram, Rickelton put together 61-run partnership.
- Proteas opt to bat first after winning toss.
- South Africa lead two-match series 1-0.
CAPE TOWN: Pakistan restricted South Africa batters to 72/3 with two wickets by pacers and another by a spinner at the conclusion of the first session of the opening day of the second Test at the Newlands on Friday.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha struck in quick succession after Proteas opted to bat first.
The home side got off to a solid start to their innings as their new opening pair of in-form Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton put together a 61-run partnership.
The pair appeared in complete control until Markram was caught behind off Khurram Shahzad after scoring a cautious 17 off 40 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who returned to the side after recovering from a thumb injury, failed to prolong his stay at the crease as he was dismissed by Abbas after scoring a mere five.
Part-time spinner Agha gave Pakistan their third success when sent Tristan Stubbs packing for a six-ball duck an over later, which reduced the home side to 72/3.
Meanwhile, Rickelton, who brought up his second fifty-plus score in the format remained firm and will resume South Africa’s innings with skipper Temba Bavuma in the second session.
For Pakistan, Khurram, Abbas and Agha have taken a wicket apiece.
It is pertinent to mention that South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, courtesy of their hard-fought two-wicket victory in the series opener in Centurion.
Playing XI
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.
