Despite the batsmen continuing to dominate on day three, all three games are fairly in the balance and look to be going towards ties on day four, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
Dolphins vs Cobras
In an attempt to get a result from the game after day two was interrupted by rain, the Dolphins declared on 325/9 and sent the Cobras in to chase the score. The Cobras had the worst of starts when they lost their in-form stand-in captain, Pieter Malan, with a single figure score.
But Matthew Kleinveldt and Janneman Malan (118 off 199 balls) put together a 221-run partnership for the second wicket. Batting at number three for the first time this season, Kleinveldt (137) reached his 11th first-class century, he received support from Kyle Verreynne (31) to take the Cobras to 325/3 at the close.
Robbie Frylinck, Smangaliso Nhlebela and Andile Phehlukwayo all grabbed a wicket apiece.
Scorecard
Warriors vs Titans
Continuing from 140/3, the Titans were bowled out for 343, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance from the Warriors captain Jon-Jon Smuts who returned figures of 4/66. Andrew Birch also came to the party for the Warriors with his figures of 3/71.
Grant Thompson’s 101 and Wesley Marshall’s 66 were the only significant scores from the visitors.With a lead of 21 runs on the board, the Warriors managed to add 139 runs for the loss of one wicket. Eddie Moore and Matthew Breetzke both scored half-centuries before the former was dismissed on 55 off 91 deliveries.
The Warriors will certainly be looking to make quick runs in the morning session on day four so that they can give their bowlers enough runs and time to bowl out the Titans.
Scorecard
Knights vs Lions
Having ended day one on 173/3, the Knights were skittled out for 325 with Raynard van Tonder’s 81 runs the only solid knock from the home side. Malusi Siboto returned figures of 3/65 while Migael Pretorius also grabbed three wickets to help drive the Lions to a commanding position.
The visitors had a lead of 143 runs when they went in to bat for the second time in the match. Gerald Coetzee continued to impress when he grabbed the big wicket of Joshua Richards with the second ball of the innings.
The Lions batsmen had a tough time out in the middle as the Knights bowlers were very consistent and economical.
At close, the Lions are on 89/3 after 38 overs with Dominic Hendricks (33 off 124 balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (26 off 53) at the crease.
