The Knights cleaned up the Warriors on day three of the 4-Day Franchise Series to jump to second on the Series log, the Titans are well placed to push for a win over the Dolphins, while the Cobras overcame a top-order collapse to keep a window open against the Lions.
Knights vs Warriors
A 12th career century by Keegan Petersen followed by a dreadful collapse from the Warriors helped the Knights complete their biggest-ever 4-Day Domestic Series victory in Kimberley on Wednesday.
The hosts won by 284 runs – their biggest margin in terms of runs in the history of franchise cricket, surpassing a 211-run triumph over the same opponents back in 2011-12.
It was all set up by Petersen, who struck a free-flowing unbeaten 103 (133 balls, 10 fours, one six), along with the Knights bowlers, in particular, Ryan McLaren and Duanne Olivier.
The pair shared seven wickets between them, with the former claiming four for 42 and the latter landing three for 23.
But the Warriors will be feeling they only have themselves to blame after they lost their final five wickets for 12 runs and the last nine wickets for 60 runs. However, the day undoubtedly belonged to the Knights. They were batting at the start of play on 206 for four and were still together when the declaration arrived on 330 for four – setting a tough victory target of 490 runs for the Warriors.
Petersen was at the heart of their display, while Andries Gous supported him brilliantly with his 67 not out (95 balls, nine fours, one six). The two ensured no wickets fell for their side on day three as they put on 162 together for the fifth wicket as the innings was ended on 70.2 overs.
The Warriors then made a strong start to the reply thanks to Eddie Moore’s 60 (123 balls, eight fours, one six). Moore was aided by Gihahn Cloete (45) and Yaseen Vallie (23), with the three batters helping their side reach 145 for one.
However, it all went pear-shaped from there as McLaren (4-42) and Olivier (3-23) ripped through the batting to help seal a memorable win, with Petersen taking the Player of the Match honours.
Cape Cobras vs Highveld Lions
Pieter Malan was closing in on his third century of the season as the Cape Cobras were fighting hard at the close of the third day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Highveld Lions in Paarl on Wednesday.
The right-hander struck an unbeaten 95 (213 balls, 13 fours) to rescue the log leaders from a woeful start of 75 for five at Boland Park to reach the close on 186 for five in pursuit of a 433-victory target.
Support from the other end was coming from all-rounder Jason Smith’s 59 not out (87 balls, six fours), with the pair sharing a 111-run sixth wicket stand to retain outside hope of still winning the game.
The Cobras, who are top of the table after four wins from four this season, opened the door for the Lions when they were bowled out for their lowest score of the campaign (138) on day two. The visitors capitalised on that by moving from 104 for four overnight to 233 all out. Nicky van den Bergh finished as their top-scorer with 83 (141 balls, 14 fours), while Dane Piedt was the pick of the bowlers, capturing five for 99.
The final innings began disastrously wrong for the Cobras after spinners Bjorn Fortuin (3-37) and Aaron Phangiso (2-49) made merry before Malan and Smith fought back to give their side hope of maintaining their unbeaten record.
Titans vs Dolphins
Half-centuries by Jonathan Vandiar, Shaun von Berg and Eldred Hawken gave the Titans a chance for a victory push after a solid day three of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Dolphins in Durban on Wednesday.
The visitors progressed from their overnight score of four for one to 325 for eight – a lead of 139 and a relatively strong position considering almost half the game has been lost due to bad light and rain at Kingsmead.
Vandiar led the way with an authoritative 67 (126 balls, nine fours, one six), while captain Shaun von Berg produced his usual fight with 54 (115 balls, 8 fours). Hawken then cut loose against a tiring home attack at the tail end of the day to smash an unbeaten 50 off 41 balls (10 fours) as the reigning champions finished powerfully.
Mark Boucher’s men, who like the Dolphins are seeking a first win of the season, were consistent throughout the day with plenty of decent contributions all around.
Andrea Agathangelou (49) and Gionne Koopman (33) put on 69 for the second wicket, before Vandiar picked up the baton.
There was a passage of play when the Dolphins were given a glimmer of hope after they reduced the visitors to 153 for five thanks to two wickets each by Eathan Bosch (2-63) and debutant Lwandiswa Zuma (2-71). But this slipped away, and with time running out, Hawken and Matthew Arnold (37) stretched the lead.
Keshav Maharaj had a tough day after sending down 40 overs – his reward being three wickets for 122 runs.
Photo: Louis Botha/Gallo Images
