Aiden Markram and the Titans scored the highest-ever domestic totals to thrash the Lions by 169 runs.
This is familiar territory for the Titans. Only three weeks ago their 400-5 set the mark for the highest total in South African List A history. Now they’ve gone and done it again, smacking 415-3 from their allotted overs against the Lions.
While Jonathan Vandiar (153) and Henry Davids (163) amassed big knocks in that match, Markram’s 183 was the biggest in South African domestic history.
His 183 came off 138 deliveries as he smashed 18 fours and five sixes, while Davids scored yet another big ton himself, blasting 128 in what was a 222-run stand between the pair. The riot continued after Davids departed, as Farhaan Behardien scored 62 off 31 deliveries to ease them past 400.
The Lions were always going to be up against it, but it became very difficult very quickly, as Reeza Hendricks, whose record 181 he scored for the Knights in 2014 was surpassed by Markram, went for a golden duck, while fellow opener Rassie van der Dussen went for four.
Mangaliso Mosehle was the only one up for the fight, who smashed 74 off just 44 balls to give his side some semblance of a chance, but Tabraiz Shamsi saw him off, before finishing with figures of 5-74.
The Lions were keeping up with the pace, but they were bowled out in 33.3 overs for 246, 169 runs short of the target.
The Titans are capable of the extraordinary, but this was only their fourth win of the campaign to remain in third on the standings, as they continue their search for a playoff spot.
The Warriors meanwhile, have solidified second position on the standings with a performance that was once again inspired by their skipper JJ Smuts. He blasted 173 not out against the Cobras last week, and followed that up with a 134 on his side’s way to a narrow six-run win over the Knights.
Smuts hit five sixes and eight fours to help his side post 284-8, but the Knights came within touching distance of sealing an unlikely victory as Aubrey Swanepoel gave them hope by sticking around for a 76-ball 75. Needing 11 runs off the final over, Andrew Birch held his nerve to get the Eastern Cape side over the line.
Photo: Gallo Images
