The Cobras have stamped their authority over the Lions in Johannesburg with a commanding 414-run lead after both team’s first innings.
The Cobras showed the Lions little mercy on day two of their 4-Day Franchise Series encounter in the Bullring, posting a massive 529 after having dismissed the home team for just 104 runs in their first innings. The visitors from the Cape had the upper-hand as they resumed this morning on 204-2, with opener Janneman Malan (90 not out) and David Bedingham (65 not out) at the crease.
The 178-run third wicket partnership between the two put the Cobras well in the lead before Bedingham was dismissed for 102 off 153 balls (13 fours, three sixes) thanks to some accurate pace bowling by the Lions’ Beuran Hendricks. Fellow centurion Janneman Malan (137 off 249 balls, 16 fours, one six) also lost his wicket to Hendricks as the fast bowler began making inroads into the Cobras lineup.
Cobras wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (65 off 73 balls, eight fours, two sixes), allrounder Jason Smith (65 off 100 balls, seven fours) and captain Dane Piedt (57 off 68 balls, 10 fours) added further misery to the Lions team as they posted a colossal 529 runs.
Hendricks was the pick of the Lions bowlers, with his 5-101 in 27 overs causing most of the damage in the Cobras innings after a day of attrition for the home team.
The Lions will resume their second innings on Wednesday on 11 runs without loss, with Stephen Cook (7) and Omphile Ramela (4) at the crease.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
