Tons of runs and a tough day for bowlers on the second day of the latest Sunfoil Series matches, as the Cobras fight back against the Knights’ 570, while the Titans struggle in the face of the Dolphins’ 508

The Cape Cobras v Knights at Paarl

Richard Levi and Andrew Puttick showed they were not cowed by the task ahead when they put on 112 for the first wicket in response to the Knights monumental first-innings target of 570 for five declared.

Puttick must be spitting, being caught and bowled by Corne Dry four overs before the close for 40 (83 balls, 7×4), but Levi moved on to 72, with nine fours and six. But there is a long road ahead, still 451 runs behind.

A fifth-wicket partnership of 240 between Pite van Biljon and Obus Pienaar had put the Knights in a no-lose position. Van Biljon was snapped up by off-spinner Dane Piedt, caught and bowled for 175, his eighth first-class century, but Pienaar sailed on to 136 at tea, when the declaration came.

Dolphins v Titans at Durban

The Titans were making heavy weather of their reply to the Dolphins’ 508 for eight, closing the day three wickets down and 107 on the board: 401 behind.

Proteas batsman Ryan McLaren provided the momentum for the declaration, compiling 126 and returning unbeaten.

The Dolphins stumbled alarmingly when they resumed on Sunday, when they were 293 for four. David Miller was run out for 50 and Morne van Wyk added just 15 to his overnight total of 42. But whatever hopes the Titans entertained of containing the target were dashed by a stand of 66 by McLaren and Andile Phehlukwayo (47).

The Titans started positively with Theunis de Bruyn and Heino Kuhn putting on 48 for the first wicket. Eight overs later De Bruyn (30), Kuhn (26) and Henry Davids (11) were back in the pavilion. Farhaan Behardien (22) and Roelof van der Merwe (9) will take up the task on Monday.

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