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Pietermaritzburg - Heinrich Klaasen was closing in on a maiden career century as the Titans hit back strongly on day two of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Dolphins at the City Oval in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.
Batting at number four, the right-handed wicketkeeper struck an unbeaten 82 (175 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes) to take his side to stumps on 240/6, a deficit of just 61, after their bowlers had produced the goods to start proceedings.
The home side did start the day well placed on 253/5, but their lower order was blown away by Malusi Siboto and Shaun von Berg.
The set Vaughn van Jaarsveld ended as the top scorer with 81 (146 balls, 8 fours), before he was Siboto’s first victim of the day as the seamer went on to finish with 3/42.
Spinner Von Berg, meanwhile, took 3/96 with the hosts losing their last five wickets for just 48.
Standard Bank Proteas opener Dean Elgar (34) and Aiden Markram (44) then provided the reigning champions with a strong 79-run opening stand.
After both fell, along with Grant Mokoena (5) to spinners Prenelan Subrayen (2/85) and Keshav Maharaj (1/58), Klaasen kept his side ticking along as they ended the day with the advantage.
