Zubayr Hamza’s 18th first-class century on his 100th appearance laid the foundation for the Central Gauteng Lions to dominate the third day of the 4-Day Series final against the Northerns Titans.
The right-hander struck 103 in 198 balls (15 fours) to lead the home side to 413-7 declared, before two wickets in two balls by Lutho Sipamla (2-8), reduced the visitors to 17-3 at stumps.
That left them trailing by 396 with two days to play at the Wanderers, which is hosting the domestic red-ball final over five days.
After day one and more than half of day two was lost due to a wet outfield, the players would have been relieved to have finally had a full day of action in the Jukskei derby.
The Lions started the day in a fairly assured position of 160-2, Hamza unbeaten on 46 and Mitchell van Buuren (56*) the two men in the middle.
However, their third-wicket partnership was extended by just nine runs to 89 before being broken by Janco Smit (3-84), who bowled the latter for 73.
Connor Esterhuizen was in next and helped Hamza add 66 for the fourth wicket, before Dayyaan Galiem (1-68) sent him on his way, leg before wicket, for 31.
Key man Hamza’s ton, however, kept the hosts ahead of the game, though he was finally removed in the 83rd over by Smit. After Wandile Makwetu (26) followed 10 runs later, Delano Potgieter (48*) and Bjorn Fortuin (62) put on a superb 108 for the seventh wicket to leave the Titans frustrated.
Their pain ended when home captain Dominic Hendricks chose to declare in the 110th over.
But any hope the Titans would have had about a comeback were quickly thwarted.
Their trouble started when first change bowler Fortuin took out Joshua van Heerden (one) in his only over, before Sipamla got rid of in-form visiting captain Neil Brand for nine and stunned Dewald Brevis (nought) first ball.
That left the men from Centurion in trouble and with plenty to do with two days of the match still to play.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
