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In a remarkable turn of events during the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Cape Town, Ryan Rickelton has etched his name into cricket history. His stunning double century has broken a nine-year drought for South Africa, with the last player to achieve such a feat being Hashim Amla in 2016. With his impressive knock of 266 balls, Rickelton has not only marked a personal milestone but also surpassed cricketing legend Jacques Kallis in terms of achieving the double century in the fastest time. Let’s dive deeper into the details of this historic moment, how it compares to previous South African players, and the records Rickelton has now set.
A Historic Double Century for South Africa
The ongoing Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Cape Town saw Ryan Rickelton achieve a rare feat in South African cricket. The left-handed batsman scored an impressive double century, becoming the first South African player to do so in nine years. The achievement was made even more notable by the fact that he scored the double century in just 266 balls, a remarkable effort considering the difficulty of Test cricket and the pressure of representing his country at such a high level.
Rickelton’s double century was a defining moment for him, as it was his first-ever double century in Test cricket. He has now become the first player of 2025 to score both a century and a double century in this format, making it an even more significant milestone in his career.
The Last South African Double Century
To fully appreciate the significance of Rickelton’s accomplishment, we must look back to the last South African to score a double century in Test cricket. That honor went to the renowned Hashim Amla, who achieved the same feat in 2016. Amla’s 2016 double century had set a high bar, and since then, no South African batsman had managed to replicate this performance until Rickelton.
Rickelton’s achievement thus brings an end to a long dry spell for South African cricket, with the public and cricket fans worldwide eagerly awaiting another player to reach the milestone. In the process, he has become an integral part of South Africa’s resurgence in the Test format.
Overtaking Jacques Kallis: A Major Achievement
One of the most significant aspects of Rickelton’s double century was that it came in just 266 balls, which is one ball quicker than Jacques Kallis’ famous double century against India in 2010. Kallis, one of South Africa’s greatest all-rounders, had scored a double century in 267 balls, setting a high standard for future players. However, Rickelton has now surpassed that benchmark, etching his name in history alongside the greats of South African cricket.
For many cricket enthusiasts, Kallis is a legend, and surpassing his record is a remarkable feat for Rickelton. It symbolizes the new wave of talent that South African cricket is nurturing and the rising stars capable of carrying the team forward.
The Fastest Test Double Centuries for South Africa
Ryan Rickelton’s record-breaking knock places him among the fastest players to score a double century in South African Test cricket history. He now ranks as the fourth fastest South African to reach this landmark, joining a prestigious list of legendary cricketers.
Here is a list of the fastest double centuries by South African players:
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211 balls – Herschelle Gibbs vs Pakistan, Cape Town, 2003
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238 balls – Graeme Smith vs Bangladesh, Chittagong, 2008
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251 balls – Gary Kirsten vs Zimbabwe, Harare, 2001
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266 balls – Ryan Rickelton vs Pakistan, Cape Town, 2025
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267 balls – Jacques Kallis vs India, Centurion, 2010
As we can see, Rickelton’s knock of 266 balls places him just one ball ahead of Kallis and significantly behind the pace set by Herschelle Gibbs, who set the fastest double century mark in just 211 balls against Pakistan in 2003. Still, Rickelton’s position in this exclusive list is a testament to his remarkable skill and ability to perform under pressure.
A Memorable Day for South African Cricket
Rickelton’s double century wasn’t just about individual glory—it also played a key role in his team’s performance. Alongside his incredible achievement, he formed a crucial partnership with Temba Bavuma, contributing to a double-century partnership. This solid collaboration between the two batsmen helped South Africa strengthen its position on the first day of the Test match, offering a solid foundation for the team’s success in the series.
Rickelton’s contribution, especially after scoring a century earlier, has been vital in giving South Africa a solid advantage in the game. His performances on both days of the match have not only garnered admiration from fans but have also brought much-needed attention to his future in the team.
Conclusion
Ryan Rickelton’s record-breaking double century is a moment to cherish in South African cricket. It marks the end of a long wait for the team and fans alike, as they finally witness another South African batsman achieving such a prestigious feat after nearly a decade. Rickelton’s ability to surpass Jacques Kallis in terms of the fastest double century further cements his place among the greats of the game. With this achievement, Rickelton has firmly announced his arrival as one of South Africa’s brightest cricketing stars. It will be exciting to see how his career unfolds in the coming years and whether he can continue to break more records and inspire his team to new heights.
