Ryan Rickelton smashes historic double century in 2nd Test against Pakistan, becomes 1st SA batter in 8 years to bag this feat

Ryan Rickelton etched his name in cricketing history during the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands. Rickelton cracked a scintillating double century on Day 2 of the second Test.

Ryan Rickelton's double century holds a special place in South African cricket history. He became the first South African batter to achieve this milestone since Hashim Amla in 2016. 

Ryan Rickelton's double century was not only remarkable for its magnitude but also for its speed. He achieved this milestone in a mere 266 balls, making it the fastest Test double hundred by a South African batter since Graeme Smith's 238-ball knock against Bangladesh in 2008.

Ryan Rickelton's double century holds historical significance for South African cricket at Newlands. His achievement marked the first instance of a double hundred being scored in a South African Test at this venue since 2016. In that memorable New Year's Test, both Ben Stokes (258) and Hashim Amla (201) had achieved this remarkable feat.

Ryan Rickelton's debut Test innings was nothing short of spectacular. Opening the batting for the first time in Test cricket, he achieved a double century, placing him in an exclusive group of players who have accomplished this remarkable feat. He joins the likes of Brendon Kuruppu, Graeme Smith, and Devon Conway, all of whom scored double centuries in their maiden Test innings as openers.

Ryan Rickelton's unbeaten 204 is not only a remarkable individual achievement but also holds historical significance within the context of South African cricket against Pakistan. His score surpasses Graeme Smith's 234 in 2013, making it the highest individual score by a South African batter against Pakistan in Test cricket.