We wrap up day two of the 4-Day Franchise Series which saw Kyle Verreynne score an unbeaten double century, Ryan Rickelton end the day on 143 not out, and Farhaan Behardien score an unbeaten 126.
The Cape Cobras have amassed a gargantuan 513, as they’re comfortably in the box seat following a spectacular double-ton from Kyle Verreynne and a counterattacking century from George Linde.
The amazing 216 from 327 (22 fours, 5 sixes) came at a key juncture for Verreynne. He was part of the Test squad that visited Pakistan and ended up gameless. This all but ensures that a Test debut is looming very soon, considering the fact that he’s maintained a commendable level of consistency across multiple first-class seasons.
George Linde’s 107 (11 fours, 2 sixes) helped add 192 runs with Verreynne, and set up an insurmountable first innings score. Linde has been a crucial find for the Proteas in Tests, and has continued his reliable all-round form ever since. Imran Manack’s unbeaten 55 was the cherry on top, as the Cobras made the most of a batting-friendly surface.
Nandre Burger struck early to send back Eddie Moore, as the Cobras rounded off a successful day in the office.
Cobras 513/6 (Verreynne 216*, Linde 107 – Stuurman 2/19)
Warriors 32/1
A masterclass from Ryan Rickelton has ensured that the Lions are well and truly in the hunt against the Dolphins, despite a middle-order slide.
It’s a much-needed and refreshing return to form for the young left-hander, who struggled in the T20 Challenge. Rickelton added 134 with Reeza Hendricks, but Hendricks’ wicket brought about a free fall, as the star Proteas left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took yet another 5-wicket haul.
The Lions are still behind by 101 with three wickets in hand. How much more will they chip away? Will Rickelton end up carrying the bat?
Dolphins 375 (E Bosch 104 – Sipamla 3/53, B Hendricks 3/59)
Lions 274/7 (Rickelton 143* – Maharaj 5/83)
In another exciting contest, the VKB Knights have pulled ahead of the Multiply Titans, as a well-paced century from the highly experienced Farhaan Behardien has driven the visitors towards a useful first-innings advantage.
We’ve seen a number of youngsters light up this tournament, and it’s just as great to see the veterans chalk up strong performances. Behardien came in when the Knights were in a spot of bother at 49/3. Handy support from Raynard van Tonder and Patrick Kruger proved to be pivotal, as Behardien calmly went about his ways.
It was a reasonably disciplined outing for the Titans bowlers, except wickets were relatively scarce. So far, Lizaad Williams has been the pick of the bowlers with his 3 wickets, but more work is to be done to restrict the Knights’ lead. Tune in for what will be in store tomorrow.
Titans 263 (Brand 107, Thomson 52 – Budaza 4/50, M Pretorius 3/50)
Knights 307/6 (Behardien 126*, Kruger 69, van Tonder 52 – L Williams 3/63)
Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
