Half-centuries by Kyle Verreynne and Dane Piedt ensured the Cape Cobras and Knights were even poised after the third day of their Sunfoil Series clash at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn on Sunday.
The pair put on 105 runs for the seventh wicket to ensure the hosts closed to within 42 of the visitors’ 489/5 declared when they were bowled out for 447.
The defending champions then reached 3/0 before bad light ended play almost an entire session early.
The Cobras had resumed the third morning on 281/5, with Verreynne going on to make 85 (170 balls, 6x4) – his highest score in franchise cricket.
Cobras captain Piedt, meanwhile, made 62 (120 balls, 8x4) to help close the gap further between the two sides.
They were eventually dismissed in 129.2 overs with Ottniel Baartman picking up 3/79 and Marchant de Lange, in his first game of the season, bagging 3/95.