We wrap up Day 2 of the 4th Round of the 4-Day Series which saw some sturdy performances from Aiden Markram, Wesley Marshall and Matthew Kleinveldt, writes Abhai Sawkar.
In a short space of time, we’ve seen numerous newcomers ascend to form and showcase their skills, which is very encouraging for South African cricket.
TITANS VS COBRAS
After a productive first day for the Cobras, the Titans bowlers fought back well and took 5 wickets for 60 today.
Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 80 highlighted the comeback from the home side. Markram is on track to make it three centuries in three innings, and it’s been refreshing to see the Proteas Test opener in scintillating form.
Neil Brand gave ample support with an unbeaten 38, making it an unbroken century stand.
Cobras 411 in 116.3 overs
Titans 136/1 in 44 overs (Markram 80*)
DOLPHINS VS KNIGHTS
Grant Roelofsen’s return to form and a handy contribution from Prenelan Subrayen extended the Dolphins’ lead, while the Knights have began their second innings in confident fashion.
Patrick Botha and Gerald Coetzee each took three wickets, helping limit the damage. Fortunately, Matthew Kleinveldt batted responsibly for the rest of the day’s play, and the Knights have erased their deficit.
Vandiar and van Tonder put together handy partnerships with Kleinveldt. The Dolphins still appear to be in pole position, having taken two key Knights wickets.
Knights 116 + 150/2 in 58 overs (M Kleinveldt 67* – Ntanzi 1/20)
Dolphins 253 (Roelofsen 73, Subrayen 44 – Coetzee 3/45)
LIONS VS WARRIORS
The Lions have surged ahead after a ruthless performance on Day 2.
After posting 389, the visitors quickly got to work, with Tladi Bokako knocking over Matthew Breetzke. That set the tone for what was to come – the seamers continued to pile on the misery.
Sisanda Magala was the pick of the bowlers, continuing to boost his case as an all-format juggernaut. The Warriors were steamrolled and finished 271 behind, but that wasn’t all as the Lions opted to bat again to ensure an insurmountable lead.
Yet again, Wesley Marshall was in the limelight, through a rapid 48 that added to the lead, which is now approaching 400. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the game appears to be all but done.
Wesley Marshall is continuing his rich vein of form, in only his second game of the season.
He’s successfully backed up a mammoth century with another impactful knock in the second innings, which has steered the Lions to what could potentially become a convincing victory.
Lions 389 + 125/3 in 35 overs (Marshall 48)
Warriors 118 in 47.1 overs (Moore 23 – Magala 3/37)
Photo: Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
