The Proteas, batting first after winning the toss, ended the day on 269/7, with Rickelton anchoring the innings with a patient 101 off 250 balls.

It was a challenging start for South Africa, the second-placed team in the World Test Championship standings. Early wickets left them reeling at 44/3, as Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Tristan Stubbs failed to trouble the scorers.

However, a resilient 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Rickelton and skipper Temba Bavuma steadied the innings. Bavuma continued his fine form with the bat, contributing a well-crafted 78, while wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten on 48 at stumps.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Lahiru Kumara leading the attack with figures of 3/54. Asitha Fernando chipped in with 2/67, while Vishwa Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya claimed one wicket each.

Reflecting on his innings, Rickelton highlighted his preference for batting against the new ball. “I feel playing against the new ball in red-ball cricket actually helps me. It tightens me up, whereas if I’m down at five or six, I tend to get a bit loose or expansive,” he said.

Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo

“I jumped at the opportunity when they said I could bat at three. Having had some relative success here domestically, I stuck to my game plan for most of the day. I wasn’t willing to budge until that last shot, and I was happy just to get over the line.”

South Africa will resume their innings on day two at 10:30, with Verreynne likely to be joined by Keshav Maharaj at the crease.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg