Fast bowler Junior Dala and batsman Farhaan Behardien starred as the Titans completed a relatively comfortable victory over the Cape Cobras in Wednesday’s One-Day Cup semi-final at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Dala delivered a telling six-for – the best figures in a seven-year List A career – in the Cobras’ final total of 187 all out. His six-strong haul was underlined with the key removal of middle-order duo JP Duminy and Kyle Verreynne.
Dala enjoyed good support from Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn, whose return to the XI from the T20I series against Sri Lanka added characteristic penetration to the Titans’ attack. This was evidenced by his dismissals of opener Janneman Malan and the talented Zubayr Hamza for ducks.
Verreynne dug deep amid the regular breakthroughs, striking a workmanlike half-century – and surpassed Malan as the 2019 tournament’s leading run-scorer.
The Titans’ pursuit endured a shaky start, slipping to 65 for five before Behardien and all-rounder Corbin Bosch combined for an unbroken 123-run alliance.
Behardien visibly mentored Bosch throughout the partnership – and welcomed an unbeaten 75. Bosch, meanwhile, ended on 45 not out.
Thursday will bring the second semi-final between the Dolphins and Warriors at Kingsmead in Durban. The winner will meet the Titans in Sunday’s final at SuperSport Park.
Photo: Gallo Images
