A personal-best spin exhibition from Tabraiz Shamsi was the cornerstone of a scintillating early victory for the Titans at Port Elizabeth, as we wrap up Day 4 of Round 2 of the 4-Day Franchise Series.
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At 97/6, the Warriors were already struggling at the start of the day’s play, but Shamsi added another three wickets to his tally, as his team raced to the win in the first session.
What was left was a small chase of 63. Mthiwekhaya Nabe claimed two consolation wickets (Elgar and de Bruyn), but cameos from fellow Proteas Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen sealed the deal for the visitors.
He claimed the best-ever (8/32) figures by a Titans bowler breaking Dale Steyn’s record from 12 years ago.
Shamsi has strengthened his case for Test cricket, and with more consistency, he could be well within the mix during subcontinent tours. He offers variety with his left-arm wrist-spin and can generate turn on conducive surfaces.
Warriors 231 + 124 (Qeshile 28 – Shamsi 8/32)
Titans 293 + 63/2 (Nabe 2/27)
Come back after 18:30 to check out the updates on the other fixtures.
KNIGHTS VS DOLPHINS
Another game, another resounding win for the Knights. Migael Pretorius claimed four wickets, as his team routed the Dolphins by 227 runs.
Sarel Erwee showed some resistance with a well-compiled 81, but wickets at regular intervals hampered the mammoth chase.
Pretorius polished off the visitors’ tail with aplomb, taking the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Mbulelo Budaza, Shaun von Berg, and Patrick Kruger took two wickets apiece, providing instrumental support for Pretorius, whose all-round show has been nothing short of impressive.
Knights 424 + 208/4(d) Dolphins 162 + 243 (Erwee 81 – M Pretorius 4/52)
LIONS VS COBRAS
The Cape Cobras have successfully forced a draw after batting through the entirety of Day 4.
Tony de Zorzi and Kyle Verreynne resumed their progress from yesterday and added a total of 136 runs. After both were dismissed, it was down to George Linde and Nandre Burger.
Burger provided the much-sought foil, and Linde’s measured approach ensured that there were no chances to create another opening.
It’s been a resilient effort from the visiting side, as the Lions seemed to be in control for much of the game.
Cape Cobras 115 + 302/7 (Verreynne 72, Linde 69*, de Zorzi 67 – B Hendricks 3/56)
Lions 324
Photo: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
