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Lions claw back at Wanderers

Johannesburg - After a fairly dismal opening day, the Highveld Lions fought their way back into their Sunfoil Series match against the Dolphins at the Wanderers on Friday to end the second day with an overall lead of 83 runs.

The morning session belonged to the Dolphins, who lost only one wicket for the addition of 131 runs. Divan van Wyk was given out leg before wicket to Hardus Viljoen in the fourth over, but Imraan Khan and Jonathan Vandiar appeared totally untroubled by the Lions’ bowlers as they cruised to a century partnership before lunch.

The Dolphins troubles began after lunch, as the Lions, spearheaded by Chris Morris, began to make inroads. Vandiar fell soon after lunch, when he slashed at a Morris delivery, only to be caught in the gully by Gulam Bodi. He made 50, including eight fours, and shared in a second wicket stand of 121 with Khan.

Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Khan put on 40 runs for the third wicket, but immediately after the drinks break, Van Jaarsveld was trapped lbw to Imran Tahir for 19. His departure signalled the start of the Dolphins’ collapse, with the next three wickets falling for 29 runs in 10 overs. 
Zander De Bruyn had Khan caught behind by Thami Tsolekile for 87, and then claimed the wicket of David Miller, who was caught at mid-on by Viljoen for 18.

The last five wickets fell in the space of 40 minutes after tea for the addition of only 29 runs. Morris added the wickets of Daryn Smit, Dane Paterson and Craig Alexander, while Viljoen got rid of Robbie Frylinck and Kyle Abbott. The Dolphins were all out for 263 - two runs shy of the Lions first innings total of 265.

Morris ended with figures of four for 54. Viljoen took 3-54 and De Bruyn 2-47.

Quinton de Kock, who was the standout player for the Lions in their massive defeat at the hands of the Cape Cobras last week, made up for his early dismissal in the first innings with a sparkling 32 off 30 balls before he was bowled by Paterson. Veterans Stephen Cook and De Bruyn took the Lions to 81 for one at the close. Cook was not out on 29 and De Bruyn had 18.

With honours fairly even, the next two days could provide some exciting cricket.
 
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