The first day of the third round of fixtures featured a total of five half-centuries and two-centuries in a day that was dominated by the bat, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
Lions vs Knights
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Lions put on an impressive opening partnership of 110 in 32 overs. Gerald Coetzee’s impressive spells eventually broke the opening partnership by removing Joshua Richards on 80 off 112 deliveries. Dominic and Reeza Hendricks followed up the opening stand with a 118-run partnership. Mbulelo Budaza put an end to that partnership when he bowled Dominic on 76 off 208 balls. Reeza reached his 15th first-class century despite losing the wickets of Kagiso Rapulana and Rassie van der Dussen cheaply. Coetzee finished with figures of 2/43 in his 18 overs.
The Knights will be looking to get early wickets on day two as the Lions finished day one with a huge total of 316/4.
Scorecard
Dolphins vs Cobras
The Dolphins won the toss and opted to bat first. The Cobras had a debutant in Thando Ntini. It did not start well for the home side as they lost the big wicket of Vaughn van Jaarsveld with the second delivery of the day, thanks to Dane Paterson who opened the bowling for the Cobras. Grant Roelofsen (113* off 173 balls) reached his maiden franchise century (sixth first-class ton) despite wickets falling around him. His 98-run partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo (61* off 77 balls) ensured a commanding day one score of 234/4. Paterson was the pick of the bowlers on day one with his figures of 2/42 (in 12 overs).
Scorecard
Warriors vs Titans
In a typical windy morning in Port Elizabeth, the home side won the toss and chose to bat first. The Titans were boosted by the return of Chris Morris and Tabraiz Shamsi. Eddie Moore and Matthew Breetzke put on a commanding 56-run opening-partnership before the latter lost his on 26 off 40. Moore and Yaseen Vallie followed up with a 70-run partnership before Moore lost his wicket just after lunch for a well-made half-century. Vallie and Rudi Second, who together share 216 first-class matches between them, put on a 75-run partnership and saw off the gloomy conditions.
Rain interrupted play and only 58 overs were bowled in the day. The Warriors will continue on 201-2 on day two.
Scorecard
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