An 11th career century by Khaya Zondo gave the Dolphins the edge against the Cobras, as we wrap up Day 2 of Round 3 of the 4-Day Franchise Series.
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DOLPHINS VS COBRAS
The Dolphins have done well to bounce back from their previous game, especially when the teams are in absence of their mainstay Proteas stars.
A scintillating century from Khaya Zondo powered the Dolphins toward a strong total during the home game against the Cobras. Coming in at No 5, he kept the ball rolling, following strong contributions from Muthusamy and Ackerman. Zondo was undoubtedly the star of the show for today, as the Dolphins are well and truly in the better position at this point.
His balanced approach with just the right amount of aggression and defence has been key to driving his side towards a strategic advantage.
Prenelan Subrayen took the early wicket of Isma-eel Gafieldien, but Pieter Malan and Zubayr Hamza have added 41 runs together and will eagerly look to push on tomorrow.
Dolphins 389/8(d) in 125.3 overs (Zondo 105, Muthusamy 79 – C Bosch 2/64)
Cape Cobras 71/1 in 31 overs (P Malan 33*)
TITANS VS WARRIORS
After claiming the remainder of the Titans’ wickets cheaply, the Warriors have confidently surged into control with the bat.
Aiden Markram did not add to his 149 from Day 1, but that doesn’t make it any less of an amazing knock, as it helped prop up his side to a respectable 320.
Matthew Breetzke got the Warriors off to a rapid start, scoring 53 from just 55. The main highlight was a captain’s knock of 80 from Yaseen Vallie. He batted through much of Day 2 and formed handy partnerships with Second and Qeshile, who’s unbeaten on 67.
Lesiba Ngoepe scored a fluent half-century but got out to Thando Ntini on the last delivery of the day. Nonetheless, the Eastern Cape franchise has had more than favourable returns today, with Sinethemba Qeshile (67*) holding the keys to drive the Warriors into a steady lead.
Titans 320 in 86.4 overs (Markram 149 – M Jansen 3/69)
Warriors 319/6 in 73.2 overs (Vallie 80, Qeshile 67*, Breetzke 53, Ngoepe 52 – T Ntini 2/55)
LIONS VS KNIGHTS
Migael Pretorius continued his all-round extravaganza with a four-wicket haul that dented the young, new-look Lions’ lineup, and the Knights have continued to stack on the runs and extend their advantage.
The home side struggled with the bat for most of the day – whenever a strong partnership was beginning to form, the Knights bowlers clapped back with wickets in clusters. Fortunately for the Lions, the middle and lower order brought about a decent turnaround from 47/5 to 202 all out. Kagiso Rapulana top-scored with 44.
After a fruitful affair with the ball, the Knights have increased their lead beyond 200, courtesy a handy unbeaten 53 from Jonathan Vandiar, who’s getting his first 4-day game of the season. Raynard van Tonder is looking promising again at 39*. The visitors seem to have it all figured out, and an exciting next two days await us.
Knights 300 in 84.1 overs (M Pretorius 79* – Magala 6/60) + Knights 111/1 in 31 overs (Vandiar 53*)
Lions 202 (Rapulana 44, Potgieter 40 – M Pretorius 4/40)
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
