CAPE TOWN – Keshav Maharaj gave the Dolphins a glimmer of hope of pulling off a surprise win over the Cape Cobras on the final day at Newlands on Thursday.
After being bowled out for 282 earlier this morning, with Dane Paterson claiming a further two wickets to finish with 6/63 and Vernon Philander picking up the big wicket of Dane Vilas for 72, this left the Cobras requiring 170 runs for victory.
The Cobras’ run-chase got off to a tricky start with first innings centurion Pieter Malan being dismissed for a duck by Robbie Frylinck. The home side plunged further into the quagmire when Ethan Bosch sent Zubayr Hamza back to the pavilion for seven.
Younger brother Janneman Malan, though, steadied the Cobras ship with a 48-run partnership with David Bedingham to ease the nerves the nerves in the dressing room.
Newlands groundstaff doing some repairs during the lunch break. Photo: @CobrasCricket on twitter
However, Maharaj ensured the butterflies would return when he removed both youngsters shortly before the interval. Janneman chipped tamely back to the spinner to be caught-and-bowled for 38, while Bedingham was clean bowled for 19.
This left Aviwe Mgijima unbeaten on 13 and the rest of the Cobras’ batting line-up to chase down the 90 runs required for victory.