Pieter Malan powered through day two as the Cobras took a 23-run lead to end on 302-6 against the Knights at Newlands on Tuesday.
The Knights forged an admirable comeback on day two after being bowled out for 279 runs on day one that put the Cobras in control of the 4-Day Franchise Series clash.
Great bowling from the Knights in the first session on day two saw the contest level out but a solid 28th career ton from last season’s Cobras Player of the Year, Pieter Malan, brought the Cobras back into the match.
New recruit Janneman Malan and Cobras’ four-day Player of the Year last season, Zubayr Hamza, both had solid starts but failed to capitalise. Malan lost his wicket on 38 and Hamza on 20, while David Bedingham also contributed with 26.
The wickets were shared among Ryan McLaren, Ottniel Baartman and Tshepo Ntuli – the Cobras finding themselves three down for 126 in just under 40 overs.
Aviwe Magijma, the Cobras’ second-highest scorer on the day, and Malan built a solid 59-run partnership before the former edged a pull-shot to deep backward square to reduce the Cobras to 185-4.
Despite the Cobras losing Dane Piedt for four, Rory Kleinveldt (20) showed his experience to stick around with Malan as the Cobras saw out the day with a 23-run lead to end on 302-6.
The Knights’ McLaren finished with the most wickets for the day with figures of 3-47 in 20 overs.
Malan was exquisite scoring his 28th ton and passing the 9,000-run mark.
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
