Zubayr Hamza and Pieter Malan both reached half-centuries in the Cobras’ pursuit of the Dolphins’ 327-run first innings total.
Having started the day on 310-8, the Dolphins were bowled out for 327. Vernon Philander (4-25) dismissed Keith Dudgeon (5) for his fourth, while Mthiwekhaya Nabe (2-75) took his second with the dismissal of Vilas for 161.
The Cobras’ innings started smoothly with a half-century from Malan, who took them past the 100-run mark, despite losing his opening partner for 10. Malan followed on 56, and it was up to the Cobras’ middle order to drive their side forward.
Hamza anchored a third-wicket stand with Justin Ontong and added 80 runs to take their side to 200, before Hamza was caught and bowled by Senuran Muthusamy on 88. Ontong was next to go, just one run shy of 50 – Sibonelo Makhanya picking up the scalp of the Cobras ex-captain.
Aviwe Mgijima (26) was dismissed, followed by Jason Smith (9) as the Cobras reached 250-6. Philander (18) and Kyle Verreynne (19) saw out the day’s play, with their side trailing by 43 runs.
In the Jukskei derby at the Wanderers it was a see-saw affair. After bowling out the hosts for 180, the Titans got a good start through their captain, Aiden Markram. Despite losing two wickets by stumps on day one, the 23-year-old Proteas opener reached a measured 168-ball 83 before falling to the star for the Lions, Ayavuya Myoli, on day two.
Shaun von Berg hit an important 63 not out as the rest of the batting lineup collapsed, the Titans knocked over for 213, and Myoli ending with figures of 4-82. The Lions‘ reply got off to an awful start, losing their top three for 83 runs, but they managed to creep past the 100-run mark by stumps.
The match between the Warriors and the Knights in Kimberley was called off without a ball bowled due to a wet outfield. The Warriors remain on 120-2.
Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images
