Cape Town - Aiden Markram made it another successful day for a Titans debutant after he struck 162 to give his side total command against the Dolphins by stumps on day two of their Sunfoil Series clash at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
The right-handed opener showed little sign of nerves in his 218-ball innings, striking 19 fours and a six, as the defending champions closed on 379/5 - a lead of 172.
Heino Kuhn also played a compelling knock of 88 (134 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes), while Grant Mokoena added 70 (127 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) for good measure to complete a fine batting display for the hosts.
The Titans had not enjoyed the best of seasons to date after losing the opening two matches of the season.
But Lungi Ngidi’s five-for in his first appearance at franchise level on day one shot the visitors out for 207, before Markram, 22, gave the home side more to be excited about with his excellent century.
Along with Kuhn, the pair put on a record 203-run opening stand against the Dolphins after they started the day on 45/0. The previous best also involved Kuhn, but on that occasion his partner was MA Aronstam way back in the 2006/07 season.
Markram and Mokoena then put on 120 for the second wicket, before the log-leading Dolphins managed to secure four late wickets, two of them for Mthokozisi Shezi (2/78) to raise spirits by the close.