Cobras down Warne's Royals

Cape Town - The Cape Cobras, even without their Pro20 stars, proved too strong for Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals in the IPL Clash of the Champions at Newlands on Saturday evening, when they ran out winners by 28 runs.

The clash pitted the IPL Champions versus SA's Pro20 champions Cobras who were minus Charl Langeveldt, Herschelle Gibbs and JP Duminy.

Robert Quiney (35) and Naman Ojha (10) gave the Royals a sound start with 24-run opening wicket partnership which produced a brisk rate of just under eight runs to the over when Rory Kleinveldt made the initial breakthrough.

Thereafter the Indian visitors lost wickets at regular intervals which saw them losing their next four wickets for the addition of only 51 runs (75/5) with Cobras new recruit Robin Peterson claiming two sticks.

Royals skipper Shane Warne (21) and Abisheak Raut tried to repair the damage with a 28-run stand for the seventh wicket but Kleinveldt again intervened when the visitors were reduced to 112/8.

By this time the target was proving well beyond the Royals who were battling to come to terms with the pace attack of Kleinveldt (4/21) and Gurshwin Rabie (1/19) at the death.

Middle-order batsman Richard Levy top-scored for the Cape Cobras with 36 runs. His 22-ball knock included three fours and two sixes.

All-rounders Vernon Philander (26) and Kleinveldt (23) both weighed in with breezy knocks at the tail-end of the Cobras' innings. Their 37-run stand for the seventh wicket was the most prolific partnership in the Cobras' innings.

The only other Cobras batsman to pass the 20-run mark was opener Derek Brandt (24) who smacked three fours and a six in his 23-ball stay at the crease, after the Cobras won the toss and chose to bat.

Opening bowler Amit Singh was the pick the Royals 'attack with 3/18.

Kleinveldt was named 'Man-of-the-Match" and won a motor car for his efforts.