RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test: Ryan Rickelton's Maiden Hundred Helps South Africa Reach 269-7 On Day 1

Ryan Rickelton's maiden century propelled South Africa to 269-7 against Sri Lanka to start the second Test at St George's Park on Thursday (December 5, 2024). Rickelton made 101 after replacing the injured Wiaan Mulder. The usual lower middle-order batter also did it from No. 3 in the order for the first time, although he might as well have been the opener. He was in the middle from the second over until the second to last over. Rickelton's steadfast attitude, while taking at least three painful blows on the gloves, backstopped the Proteas' two main partnerships; 133 with captain Temba Bavuma and 77 with Kyle Verreynne.

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Updated on: 6 December 2024 9:00 am

South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St George's Park: Ryan Rickelton

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's Ryan Rickelton celebrates with Kyle Verreynne, after reaching his century | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's Ryan Rickelton, left, celebrates with teammate Kyle Verreynne, after reaching his maiden Test match century during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St Georges Park: Kyle Verreynne

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's Kyle Verreynne plays shot | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's Kyle Verreynne plays shot during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's Kyle Verreynne plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis watches | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's Kyle Verreynne, right, plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis watches on during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St Georges Park: Asitha Fernando

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando gets a pat on the head from Angelo Mathews | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando, centre, gets a pat on the head from teammate Angelo Mathews, at the end of his over during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St Georges Park: Vishwa Fernando

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: Sri Lanka's Vishwa Fernando drops a catch from South Africa's David Bedingham | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

Sri Lanka's Vishwa Fernando drops a catch from South Africa's David Bedingham during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St Georges Park: Temba Bavuma

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma plays a high ball | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma plays a high ball and dismissed by Sri Lanka's Vishwa Fernando, for 78 runs during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's Ryan Rickelton raises his bat after reaching his Maiden Test fifty | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's Ryan Rickelton raises his bat after reaching his Maiden Test fifty during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's Ryan Rickelton plays a high ball | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's Ryan Rickelton plays a high ball from Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando, during the first day of the second test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St Georges Park: Tristan Stubbs

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: South Africa's Tristan Stubbs bats | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

South Africa's Tristan Stubbs bats during the first day of the second test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.

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South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2nd test Cricket match Day 1 at St Georges Park: Lahiru Kumara

RSA Vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1: Sri Lanka's Lahiru Kumara, left, celebrates after dismissing South Africa's Aiden Markam | Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe

Sri Lanka's Lahiru Kumara, left, celebrates with teammate Sadeera Samarawickrama, after dismissing South Africa's Aiden Markam for 20 runs during the first day of the second test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Gqeberha, South Africa.