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Johannesburg - The Titans clinched the four-day SuperSport Series title on Sunday when their only rivals, the Cape Cobras, were bowled out for 420 in their match against the Highveld Lions at the Wanderers.
The Cobras had needed to score 540 runs in their available bonus point overs and then go on to complete an outright victory to retain their title after the Titans had taken 21.46 points in overwhelming the Dolphins in their last match in a little more than two days.
With only two sessions left in the game there was in any case little chance of the Cobras forcing an outright victory.
The Lions played out time at 164/4.
The highlight of the day was Yaseen Vallie’s career best innings of 167 (216 balls, 22 fours). He was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Chris Morris had another good match with the ball, finish with 4/100 to be the most successful Lions bowler.
The Titans last won the trophy in 2008/09 and it is their third success in four-day cricket since the start of the franchise system.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola congratulated the Titans on their trophy success. “It is well deserved as they scored more outright victories than any other team and consistently played entertaining and attacking cricket.
“Personal congratulations must also be extended to coach Matthew Maynard and captain Martin van Jaarsveld in their first season as the new leadership team of the Titans.
“The Cobras have also played excellent cricket this season and both these franchises have revealed strong depth by being the two main contenders for the SuperSport Series title and at the same time being major contributors to the Proteas’ Castle Lager squads.
“They have each produced an exciting international newcomer in Marchant de Lange and Richard Levi.
“The value of the SuperSport Series is underlined by the manner in which Vernon Philander, Jacques Rudolph and Justin Ontong have developed their games to force their way back into Proteas’ contention.
“The fact that four franchises were in contention going into the last two rounds and that the destiny of the title was only decided on the final day is a good reflection of the competitive nature of our franchise cricket,” he added.
The Knights clinched third place when they beat the Warriors by 161 runs at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
Quinton Friend equalled his career best franchise figures by taking 6/45 to send the Warriors reeling to 134 all out on the stroke of the lunch interval.
Knights captain Morne van Wyk was named Man of the Match for his century that changed the course of the match.
