The Cape Cobras pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win over the mighty Titans, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
It was the Titans’ first loss in nine matches, but until the last two overs, they looked as if they would defend an underwhelming total of 132 at Newlands.
It was the power hitting of Ferisco Adams (20 off 12) and George Linde (16 off 11) which turned the match when the Cobras looked down and out at 107-7 with nine balls to go. Adams struck the winnings runs off a full toss from Chris Morris with one ball remaining.
Hashim Amla and Richard Levi had looked to have the situation under control as they solidly worked their way to 39 in the sixth over. Then the carnage began as Amla gloved to Quinton de Kock off Morris having scored 12. Levi, who had been dropped after scoring just 18 runs in his first four matches, followed two overs later for 27 going hard at Junior Dala.
Temba Bavuma held his ground as Dala picked up JP Duminy (3) and Tabraiz Shamsi ripped out Aviwe Mgijima (1) and Kyle Verreynne (7). When Bavuma was caught behind for 29 off Lungi Ngidi, it seemed the writing was on the wall. Until Adams and Linde got together.
Earlier, in a vote of confidence in their bowlers, the Cobras had put the Titans in to bat on a balmy evening.
Dane Paterson, as is the pattern with his new-found run-up, removed Quinton de Kock in the second over of the day and Aiden Markram, with the help of an agile catch by Temba Bavuma at backward point, in the fourth.
Supported by Rory Kleinveldt’s strangling overs, the Titans were 33-2 after the powerplay, which Henry Davids and Farhaan Behardien extended to 69 at the halfway mark. Then George Linde struck in successive overs with his left-arm spin, taking out Davids for 30 off 30 balls, and then Albie Morkel for three.
Ferisco Adams got into the act by swinging a great delivery in Behardien’s middle stump, ending a valiant effort of 43 off 30 balls, followed immediately by Paterson taking out Chris Morris (16); at which point the mighty Titans, unbeaten in the series, were 111-6 in the 17th over.
The tail had little to offer as they struggled to 132 after 20 overs.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
