A dogged innings of 73 from No 7 batsman Aviwe Mgijima, and 75 from opener Omphile Ramela laid the foundation for the Cobras’ total of 273 against the Highveld Lions in Oudtshoorn.

It gave the ‘home’ side, playing their first franchise game ever in the town, a 147-run lead after they had put the Lions in to bat and bowled them out for 126 on day one.

The Cobras looked as if they may also fold, despite the efforts of former captain and opener Omphile Ramela, who held the innings together in the early stages, despite the clatter of wickets, until he fell for 75 to the left-arm spin of Bjorn Fortuin.

Three wickets were taken for 42 runs before Dane Vilas (36) dug in and helped Ramela in a stand of 60 for the fourth wicket. Mgijima picked up the baton and added 57 for the seventh wicket, when Ramela was caught off Fortuin, having faced 148 balls, which included nine fours.

Dane Piedt, who has been quick to deny that he is seeking a Kolpak agreement, then stepped up to shepherd the tail to the end, playing 135 balls for his 48, with just three  fours.

Dwaine Pretorius (3-48 off 26) and Wiaan Mulder (3-42 off 16.3) were the pick of the bowlers.

The Lions cautiously worked their way to 32 without loss at the close of play, still 115 behind.

In Bloemfontein, the Knights and the Titans spent a second day watching the rain fall, wasing out the day’s play.

Cobras v Lions Scorecard

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