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Potchefstroom - Aggressive batting followed by disciplined bowling ensured that the Highveld Lions ended day two of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Cape Cobras in complete charge in Potchefstroom on Friday.
Dominic Hendricks struck a splendid 160, which was followed by attacking half-centuries from Nicky van den Bergh and Dwaine Pretorius that enabled the hosts to declare on 580/7.
The visitors were then reduced to 154/5 by the close with all the bowlers chipping in for the Lions, who are in second place on the competition standings and trying to hunt down the top-of-the-table Titans.
Resuming the day on 346/3, Hendricks, whose 340-ball knock included 25 fours, and Yassar Cook, extended their fourth-wicket partnership to 138, with the latter scoring 92 (127 balls, 14 fours). Both eventually fell to the spin of Dane Piedt (2/177).
It was then the Van den Bergh-Pretorius show as the pair plundered 139 between them in a mere 15 overs.
Wicketkeeper Van den Bergh blasted 82 (54 balls, 10 fours, 4 sixes), while all-rounder Pretorius smashed 60 (40 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes).
That impetus allowed an early declaration for captain Stephen Cook, whose bowlers then delivered to leave the Cobras in trouble by the close.
A total of 52 overs were sent down with Hardus Viljoen (1/42), Pretorius (1/24), Pumelela Matshikwe (1/19) and Bjorn Fortuin (1/53) all amongst the wickets.
Only Andrew Puttick with an unbeaten 58 (136 balls, 11 fours) was holding firm as the Cape side closed in some trouble.
