OUDTSHOORN – Half-centuries from Nicky van den Bergh and Dwaine Pretorius helped the Highveld Lions fight back on day three of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Cape Cobras, but they were still facing defeat at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
The visitors reached stumps on 247/7 – a lead of 100 – although it was a far better showing with the bat after their dismal 126 first time around.
Right-hander Van den Bergh top-scored with 93 (252 balls, 10 fours) and Proteas all-rounder Pretorius hit 62 (113 balls, 8 fours).
The men from Johannesburg had started out the day on 32/0 replying to the Cobras’ 273, but lost four wickets for the addition of just 16 runs as Rassie van der Dussen (13), Reeza Hendricks (28), captain Dominic Hendricks (0) and Kagiso Rapulana (1) fell without significantly contributing on the third morning.
That left all the responsibility on the shoulders of Van den Bergh and Pretorius, who shared a 97-run fifth wicket stand, before Jason Smith, the pick of the bowlers with 2/23, broke through with the wicket of the latter.
Mangaliso Mosehle (21) helped the former add a further 60 for the sixth wicket before he was run out, while Van den Bergh fell in the final hour handing the advantage firmly in favour of the home side.
Wayne Parnell (2/46) picked up two wickets as the Cobras closed in on their first victory of the season.
* The Dolphins' hopes of moving top of the Sunfoil Series table were dashed by rain on Saturday after the third day of their clash against the Warriors was abandoned without a ball being bowled at Kingsmead in Durban.
The hosts had arrived at the ground in a strong position after reaching stumps on Friday on 243/2, a 12-run lead with eight wickets in hand, including that of unbeaten centurion Vaughn van Jaarsveld on 103 not out (119 balls, 10 fours, 3 sixes).
But overnight rain and persistent drizzle through most of the third day meant chances of play were minimal.
* Rain and the chasing pack were the big winners in the Sunfoil Series title race as the top-of-the-table clash between the Knights and Titans was abandoned early on day three at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
No play had been possible on the opening two days due to the wet conditions and even though the forecast was much better for the weekend, there was still rain hanging around on the third morning leaving umpires Lubabalo Gcuma and Clifford Isaacs little choice.