PAARL – Wihan Lubbe’s classy century set up the Highveld Lions for an imposing total before Dane Paterson roared back for the Cape Cobras on an intriguing first day in the 4-Day Series at Boland Park.
Lubbe, who struck 166 last week against the Titans in Potchefstroom, followed it up with another 101 off 181 balls (5x4, 6x6) on Monday to lay the platform for the Lions’ 300/7.
There were also half-centuries for captain Temba Bavuma (51) and Rassie van der Dussen (66).
The innings had even greater substance due to the fact that conditions throughout weren’t easy for batting.
Besides the fact that it had been a chilly day in Paarl, the conditions overhead were overcast – with the clouds often spitting some precipitation down – while the pitch was greener than usual too.
“It is a great feeling (to score successive centuries). I am glad I could contribute to the team’s cause.
WATCH: Wihan Lubbe celebrates his second successive 4-Day century for the @LionsCricketSA! A proper knock by a promising young batsman! @IOLsport #COBvLIO #4DaySeries pic.twitter.com/mHyPvqdQo7
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) November 5, 2018
“I think being around the team for the last couple of years I have picked up a few things from the senior players, so it is nice to have an opportunity to show what I am made of as well,” Lubbe told Independent Media.
“They bowled pretty well for the first couple of hours. I think Jason (Smith) had a spell where he barely went for runs.
“They really bowled well there, but luckily as the ball got a bit older, we sort of had our chances there.”
WATCH: "It has been nice to come out and show what I am made of," says @LionsCricketSA batsman @wihanlubbe1 after stroking successive centuries in 4-Day cricket. @IOLsport @theNWU #COBvLIO #4DaySeries #Pukke pic.twitter.com/rKkBlHsZOl
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) November 5, 2018
The Cobras, though, have showed all season that when they are put under pressure, they find someone to get themselves back into the game.
On Monday, captain Dane Piedt, particularly after earlier winning the toss and electing to bowl, pressed the button of his most senior bowler Dane Paterson late in the final session.
And in similar fashion to last week at Newlands against the Dolphins, Paterson answered his skipper’s call once again with three late wickets to get the table-toppers back into the contest.
WATCH: Highveld Lions captain @tbavuma10 expects "a bit of friendly banter" when he faces up against his former @CobrasCricket teammates today at Boland Park. @IOLsport @LionsCricketSA #4DaySeries #COBvLIO #TopOfTheTable @OfficialCSA pic.twitter.com/pJL6TBPeW9
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) November 5, 2018
Lubbe was first to go when Paterson trapped him lbw, before Nicky van der Bergh (14) and Bjorn Fortuin (7) were dismissed in quick succession for the Proteas seamer to finish with 4/58.
“It is coming out nicely. The rhythm is spot-on. If I am not taking wickets, I am trying to just hold the game. I always like this late flourish here at the end of the day,” Paterson said.
350!! That's 350 first-class wickets for @CobrasCricket skipper Dane Piedt! Rassie van der Dussen b Piedt 66. Lions: 271/5 @IOLsport #4DaySeries #COBvLIO pic.twitter.com/ggsSPKda7M
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) November 5, 2018
“I think once the fitness is good, the mental side needs to be good and spot-on as well.
“So, at the end of the day, we’re still running in for the skipper there. Hopefully we can wrap it up as quickly as possible in the morning.”
@ZaahierAdams