Cape Town - Dominic Hendricks and Temba Bavuma hit unbeaten half-centuries for the Highveld Lions after a positive declaration from the Warriors as their Sunfoil Series clash was still finely poised heading into the final day in East London on Saturday.
With both sides chasing victory to stay in the hunt for the title, the hosts declared their first-innings with a deficit of 104, before the visitors built on that by going to stumps on 153/2 – a lead of 257 at Buffalo Park.
Next week is the final round in the competition and a draw will not help either side in their bid for the title, which means there could be a thrilling climax on day four.
The Warriors had started out on the third morning on 79/2, but they lost four early to slump to 123/6.
Captain Simon Harmer (31) and top-scorer Somila Seyibokwe, who made 52 (132 balls, 7 fours), then shared an unbroken 80-run seventh wicket stand, before they declared on 203.
The Warriors then went in search of early wickets and got them in the form of Reeza Hendricks (0) and Stephen Cook (20).
However, Dominic Hendricks made 76 (123 balls, 10 fours) and Bavuma hit 52 (82 balls, 6 fours) to halt the progress of the Warriors.
The pair will be looking to kick on quickly on the final morning before a possible declaration.