Port Elizabeth – Man of the Match Farhaan Behardien scored 99 to help the Titans to a narrow five-run victory over the Warriors in their One-day Cup cricket fixture at St George's Park on Sunday.
Behardien paced his innings to perfection and fell only one run short of his maiden century in this format of the game, helping the Titans post a competitive 273/8 in their 50 overs. He faced only 97 balls striking 11 fours and two sixes and was ably assisted by Heino Kuhn (59) and Albie Morkel (66).
The Warriors replied with 268/9, Craig Thyssen bringing them close with a brave 46 in a partnership of 62 for the eighth wicket with Basheer Walters. The Warriors needed six runs off the final two deliveries but Thyssen's attempt to clear the boundary off Rowan Richards found the safe hands of Henry Davids at deep long-on.
Behardien arrived at the crease with the Titans wobbling at 73/3.
They lost Henry Davids (0) off the second ball of the innings and the in-form Mangaliso Mosehle, also for nought – both trapped in front by Andrew Birch.
But Behardien and opener Kuhn set about restoring some order. Kuhn was prominent in the partnership and was eventually out for an attractive 59, caught by Jacobs off the spin of Simon Harmer.
Behradien then found another partner in Morkel and the pair posted 129 for the fifth wicket off just over 20 overs. Morkel eventually smashed 66 off 69 balls with five fours and three sixes.
Birch was the most successful of the Warriors bowlers claiming three for 53.
Some solid middle-order contributions for the Warriors from Ashwell Prince (40), Davy Jacobs (63) and Wayne Parnell (48) enabled the home side to get as close as they did in the end. – Sapa