The cricketing world erupted with excitement as Ryan Rickelton achieved a remarkable milestone on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan in Cape Town. His maiden double century not only marked a personal triumph but also made him the first South African Test batter to reach this landmark since Hashim Amla in 2016. The atmosphere at Newlands was electric, with fans celebrating a performance that showcased skill, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
Ryan Rickelton smashes double ton on Day 2
As the sun shone brightly over Newlands, Rickelton’s journey towards his double century unfolded with grace and tenacity. Resuming from an impressive 176 runs, he faced Mir Hamza, and with a deft tap past cover, he scampered for a single that brought him to 200 runs. The crowd erupted in applause as he raised his bat in acknowledgment, a moment of pure joy and relief that encapsulated the hard work he had put into his innings. His celebration was infectious; running and punching the air in ecstasy, Rickelton’s delight resonated with fans who had witnessed his evolution as a player throughout the match.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: South Africa gains the upper hand as Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma excel against Pakistan on Day 1 of 2nd Test
Rickelton’s historic performance
Rickelton’s innings was not just about personal achievement; it was pivotal for South Africa’s position in the match. His partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, which totalled 235 runs, was instrumental in stabilizing the innings after a shaky start where South Africa found themselves at 61/0 before slipping to 72/3. The duo’s resilience under pressure showcased their ability to counter-attack effectively against a disciplined Pakistani bowling lineup.
Rickelton’s innings included 21 boundaries and a six, demonstrating his aggressive yet calculated approach. His ability to find gaps and rotate the strike kept the scoreboard ticking and frustrated the Pakistani bowlers, who struggled to contain the flow of runs as Rickelton built momentum throughout the day.
With this double century, Rickelton not only solidified his place in South African cricket history but also set a benchmark for upcoming players. His performance is a testament to the strength of character required to succeed at the highest level. As South Africa look ahead in this Test match, they would certainly aim for a whitewash by winning the match.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Oh Ryan Rickelton,You Lekka Dang👌🏼
Long may it continue 🇿🇦🏏#SAvPAK#WozaNawe#INDvsAUS#ProteaFire 🇿🇦🏏 pic.twitter.com/pygQSjS4OD
— Pio The Wallflower🌼 (@QiqaQauka) January 4, 2025
Ryan Rickelton becomes first South African Opener in 12 Years to his Double Century…🥵💥#RyanRickelton #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/gfBzB7BDLT
— Prabhakar (@itz_Prabhaa) January 4, 2025
It took Ryan Rickelton just 9 matches and 17 innings to score a double hundred in Tests! 💯
And then there’s shameless 🔔 ka King Trevor Gwandu from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼, who couldn’t manage one even after 56 Tests and 102 innings on highways. 😂😭#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/S1Cb8kgRbA
— Zain Cric (@Zain_Cric) January 4, 2025
🌟 Ryan Rickelton’s Magical Milestone
A maiden Test double century – pure class and determination on display!#SAvPAK #RyanRickelton
— FREE HIT (@FREEHIT06) January 4, 2025
New South Africa Hero RYAN RICKELTON #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #ryan #rickelton #WTC25 #WTC2025 pic.twitter.com/XXNkrIpHgM
— KRISHNA GOUR (@krishnagour042) January 4, 2025
A great knock from Ryan Rickelton. Really dominated Pakistan’s bowling and has pretty much won the match for South Africa.
Shan is looking completely clueless in this test as always#PAKvsSA #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/4qWWel6UkK
— Ibrahim’s Insights 🇵🇸 (@ibrahim301105) January 4, 2025
What an innings. Magnificent Knock. Take a Bow Ryan Rickelton 204*(268)
4s ➡️ 25
6s ➡️ 1
SR ➡️ 76.11
Career Best Highest individual Test score for Ryan Rickelton.
Career Best Highest individual First-Class score for Ryan Rickelton.#SAvPAK @LionsCricketSA @NewlandsCricket…— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 4, 2025
Double century for Ryan Rickelton
Future of South Africa 🌍 #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #RyanRickelton pic.twitter.com/kF5ROZkmbl— Rachit Arya (@RachitArya2008) January 4, 2025
Ryan Rickelton celebrates a brilliant double century! pic.twitter.com/kq587mbM2B
— Arooj 🇨🇦 (@iMArOoj) January 4, 2025
Take a bow, Ryan Rickelton🏏
Rickelton has just hit a double hundred against Pakistan at the 2nd Test of Pakistan tour of SA🇿🇦. 200 runs in 266 balls (24 Fours & 1 Six)
Incredible batting skills! pic.twitter.com/T2pAi8UCWk
— Richard Kwizera (@Muzungu4) January 4, 2025