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Cobras hit back at Newlands

Cape Town - Neil McKenzie and Dominic Hendricks have constructed a 210-run partnership, but the Cape Cobras hit back with late wickets to keep the Highveld Lions in check after the first day of their Sunfoil Series clash at Newlands.

While the McKenzie-Hendricks stand was the obvious focal point of the day, it was book-ended by short periods of Cobras dominance that left the match delicately poised, with the Lions finishing the day on 294 for six after winning the toss and electing to bat.

The Cobras struck early on as Rory Kleinveldt and Mthokozisi Shezi removed the Lions openers with just 21 on the board, only for McKenzie and Hendricks to dig in for more than two sessions.

Hendricks fell agonisingly short of what would have been a sixth first-class hundred when he was caught off the bowling of Justin Ontong for 99, but McKenzie pushed on to his 51st first-class ton.

No other Lions batsmen crossed 15, showing how important the alliance was to the visitors’ cause.

Kleinveldt ended the day with three wickets to his name after bowling McKenzie for 125, and also boasted an excellent economy rate after conceding just 42 runs in his 18 overs.

Beuran Hendricks had a tougher first day back at the office with the Cobras, conceding none for 69 in his 12 overs.

Dwaine Pretorius (13) and Chris Morris (10) will return to the crease for the Lions on Friday morning for what promises to be a pivotal first session.

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