An exceptional return of three for 25 by Dane Paterson proved key as the Cape Cobras hit back to overcome the Warriors by 10 runs in their Ram Slam T20 Challenge encounter at Boland Park in Paarl on Wednesday.
The Proteas fast bowler sent down two critical overs at the cost of 15 in the final five overs to deny the visitors, who looked in sight of the 160-run victory target at the 15 over mark when they needed 48 with seven wickets in hand.
Paterson was given superb support by Rory Kleinveldt (1/16) – both men having bowled their full complement of overs – ensuring the hosts recorded a third straight win that vaulted them to second on the standings.
Colin Ackermann top-scored for the Warriors with 55 (41 balls, 4 fours), and when the right-hander was going, it appeared his side was coasting to victory. That was until the intervention of Paterson.
The Cobras had earlier won the toss and batted first, but blew a good start to eventually end on 159/6.
Test pair Hashim Amla (52 off 36 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and Temba Bavuma (42) put on 90 for the first wicket, before watching their side slump to 122 for four in the 17th over.
But George Linde’s unbeaten 52 (30 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) rescued them to a competitive total – one they would go on to defend.
Rain was the big winner at the Wanderers on Wednesday as the latest instalment of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge Jukskei derby between the Highveld Lions and the Titans was abandoned in Johannesburg.
The wet weather arrived late afternoon and remained for most of the evening, leaving umpires Clifford Isaacs and Allahudien Paleker little choice but to call off proceedings shortly before 8pm.
It was the second successive washout for the log-leading visitors after their game against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins failed to take place in Benoni last Friday. However, they still managed to extend their lead at the summit – they now have 23 points.
The home side, on the other hand, join the Dolphins and VKB Knights on 10 points.
