A record-breaking opening partnership between Joshua Richards and Dominic Hendricks helped the Lions get their first 4-Day Domestic season win against the previously unbeaten Knights, as we wrap up Round 3 of the 4-Day Series.
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LIONS VS KNIGHTS
The pair’s centuries contributed to a 256-run stand at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium, as the defending champions chased down a 334-run target midway through the afternoon session on day four.
Their partnership beat the previous highest opening partnership for the Lions of 226 set by Stephen Cook and Reeza Hendricks against the Cape Cobras at Potchefstroom back in 2017/18.
Richards was dismissed for 136 (181 balls, 19 fours, 1 six), which was his maiden franchise century, while the experienced Hendricks recorded his 16th first-class century before losing his wicket on 119 (217 balls, 16 fours).
The Knights fought hard to take control of the match, with Andrew Rasemene causing the most problems for the home side taking 3/44, but they couldn’t stop the defending champions from sealing a victory.
Lions won by 4 wickets.
TITANS VS WARRIORS
Captain Yaseen Vallie lead from the front with a half-century for the Warriors as they clinched a first win of the 4-Day Domestic Series season when they overcame the Titans by three wickets in Centurion.
The skipper top-scored with 55 (69 balls, 7 fours) in a chase of 218 at SuperSport Park as the visitors reached their target just before scheduled tea on the final afternoon.
He received strong support from Rudi Second (39) and Lesiba Ngoepe, who completed a wonderful all-round game with a dashing 38 off 19 balls when the pressure was on late in the chase.
The Eastern Cape side eventually reached their target in 53 overs – in the process putting behind them a troubled start to 2020/21 with a much-needed victory against a Titans team that had won both their opening games.
DOLPHINS VS COBRAS
Senuran Muthusamy hit a half-century and claimed four wickets but it was not enough for the Dolphins to force victory on the final day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Cape Cobras in Durban.
Instead, they had to settle for a draw after defiant batting by Pieter Malan and Aviwe Mgjima prevented any drama and ensured the visitors concluded the match on 155/6 – chasing a final day victory target of 295 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
