Sunfoil Series wrap: Myoli leads Lions fightback

Ayavuya Myoli’s four wickets led a spirited fightback from the Highveld Lions as they bounced back on the second day of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Titans at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The fast bowler bagged four for 82 to help the hosts, who were dismissed for 180 on day one, restrict the visitors to 213 all out – a difference of just 33.

And by the close, that deficit was wiped out after the Lions closed the round five encounter on 104 for three.

There were two noteworthy performances with the bat for the Titans. Having resumed at the start on 96 for two, captain Aiden Markram went on to top score with 85 (168 balls, 16 fours).

Shaun von Berg was the other key contributor with his unbeaten 63 (114 balls, 10 fours, 1 six).

For the home side, there were also two wickets each for Bjorn Fortuin (2/9), Wiaan Mulder (2/26) and Hardus Viljoen (2/54) in an excellent bowling display.

Some of the hard work was undone when they returned to bat as the top three were all dismissed in the 42 overs they faced.

Stephen Cook made five, Reeza Hendricks 26 and Omphile Ramela 32, with their wickets going to Migael Pretorius (1/35), Alfred Mothoa (1/6) and Lungi Ngidi (1/20) respectively.

However, the Lions will be optimistic of building on their 71-run lead through unbeaten pair Rassie van der Dussen (26) and Nicky van den Bergh (9).

Hamza, Malan help Cobras close in on Dolphins

Half-centuries by Zubayr Hamza and Pieter Malan ensured the Cape Cobras reached the halfway stage of their Sunfoil Series encounter against the Dolphins in a solid position at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn on Tuesday.

The hosts reached stumps on day two with 284 for six on the board – trailing the visitors’ 327 that was made earlier in the day by 43.

Hamza and Malan were the two key men for the Cobras contributing 88 (142 balls, 13 fours) and 56 (99 balls, 8 fours) respectively, while Justin Ontong hit 49.

There was still further batting to come with set men Kyle Verreynne (19) and Vernon Philander (18) due to resume on Wednesday.

Kerwin Mungroo was the pick of the Dolphins bowlers with his two for 41.

Earlier, Dane Vilas went on to make 161 (200 balls, 21 fours, 1 six) as the men from KwaZulu-Natal lost their last two wickets for 17.

Philander was the best of the bowlers on his return from injury after he ended with four for 25.

No play in Kimberley on day two

A wet outfield prevented any play from taking place on day two of Sunfoil Series encounter between the Knights and the Warriors at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Tuesday.

Only 40 overs had been possible on day one, which was initially delayed for the same reason, before rain ended proceedings early.

The Warriors, who won the toss and elected to bat first, are 120 for two thanks to an unbeaten 76 (135 balls, 11 fours, 2 sixes) from Colin Ackermann.