Theunis de Bruyn was unbeaten at stumps, while Dean Elgar scored another half-century to give the Titans hope of victory over the Cape Cobras on day three of the 4-Day Franchise Series.

The Titans looked out of the contest after the first innings, but now need just 121 runs to victory with seven wickets in hand. This is thanks in large part to an improved second-innings effort with the ball, led by Tabraiz Shamsi who bagged 4-79.

Elgar and Aiden Markram (48) then shared a 105-run opening-wicket stand. Elgar fell for 58, but De Bruyn held firm, getting to stumps unbeaten on 63. The Titans will lament losing Heinrich Klaasen close to the close, but they have enough to come to be confident of a come-from-behind victory.

Meanwhile, in Durban, big centuries by Sarel Erwee and Keegan Petersen in a record-venue partnership helped the Dolphins close in on victory over the defending champions Imperial Lions.

The pair shared a massive 344-run second wicket stand, Erwee getting 199, while Petersen scored 173. Three wickets by Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj then left the Lions struggling at 75-3, needing 125 to make the Dolphins bat again.

Finally, in Bloemfontein, the Covid-19-hit Warriors are all but cooked in their match against the Knights. They were made to follow on, and still need 193 runs to make the Knights bat again, while only having three wickets in hand.

Migael Pretorius was the pick of the Knights bowlers, bagging 3-25.