George Linde played an instrumental role in setting up the Cobras 21-run win over the Lions in Oudtshoorn, leapfrogging to third on the One-Day Cup table, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Cobras posted a competitive 298-5 in their 50 overs. The ever-reliable Janneman (44 off 42 balls, 3×4, 2×4) and Pieter Malan (46 off 57 balls, 2×4, 1×6) laid the foundations with an 82-run partnership at the top of the order.
READ ALSO: Malan on standby to be 100th Protea
Zubayr Hamza walked in at No 3 after Nono Pongolo (2-34) dismissed the younger of the brothers with a well-executed return catch. The 100th test-capped Protea starred with the bat for the Cobras with an unbeaten 88 (97 balls, 6×4) to get his team to the substantial total. Linde contributed a quickfire 57 off 55 balls, including five fours and one six.
#COBvLIO | LOVING IT LINDE
George Linde goes to his second consecutive 50. It's taken him 49 balls to get there and includes 5 fours.
Cobras 188/2 after 33 overs#StrengthInDiversity #MODC
— COBRAS CRICKET (@CobrasCricket) February 24, 2019
Lions began their chase poorly by losing openers Ryan Rickelton (6) and Reeza Hendricks within 11 overs. Kagiso Rapulana steadied the ship with a solid 46, but it was Dwaine Pretorius’s unhinged 75 off only 42 deliveries that had the visitors believing they could get over the line. His five fours and four sweltering sixes stole the show at the Recreation Ground before Dane Paterson had him caught by Linde in the 48th over.
Linde (3-39) himself had done most of the wicket-taking earlier in the innings and dismissed Lions captain Rassie van der Dussen (37) before the Protea could get going. The left-hander earned himself the Player of the Match award for his fantastic displays with both bat and ball. It was Paterson who wrapped up proceedings in the death overs, sealing a tense 22-run victory over the visitors.
READ ALSO: Getting to know George Linde
The Lions will still be looking for their first win of the season when they face the inconsistent Titans on Wednesday, who then head to Newlands to face the Cobras after their trip to Potchefstroom.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
