Ryan Rickelton struck 194 before Wiaan Mulder claimed 4-37 as the Lions were set a target of 249 for victory by the Dolphins in Johannesburg.
Rickelton kicked on with his century from Monday and led the Lions’ batting fight before he fell six runs short of a double ton, the Lions all out for 363.
Dolphins hoped to build on their 13-run lead but the Lions bowlers were up for the task. Mulder, Lutho Sipamla and Beuran Hendricks picked up regular wickets that troubled the Dolphins’ quest. Keshav Maharaj top-scored for the visitors, notching a brilliant 89 as the Dolphins were dismissed for 235.
The Lions reached stumps on 21-1 with Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks at the crease, still requiring 228 runs for victory ahead of the final day’s play.
STUMPS DAY 3 pic.twitter.com/7Qm7tCATAI
— COBRAS CRICKET (@CobrasCricket) March 9, 2021
In Cape Town, rain and bad light interrupted play throughout the afternoon. The Cobras’ mammoth first-innings total kept them in control of proceedings as the Warriors ended the day on 259-9.
Meanwhile, in Pretoria, Farhaan Behardien’s 142 guided the Knights to a decent 414-9 before captain Pite van Biljon called for the declaration.
Openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram made superb starts with the bat, establishing a handy and unbeaten 162-run partnership for the opening wicket.
The Titans will resume with a lead of 11 runs on Wednesday, Elgar on 65 and Markram 90.
