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Pietermartizburg - The Cape Cobras have sidestepped the distractions of an entertaining Morné van Wyk innings and bad weather to move within four wickets of victory over the Sunfoil Dolphins in their Sunfoil Series clash at the City Oval.
Less than 60 overs were played on the third day, and Van Wyk held up the Cobras with a magnificent 121 not out at better than a run a ball as the Dolphins followed on, but the Dolphins still closed on 226 for six - 126 runs short of making the visitors bat again.
In both Dolphins innings a batsman stood up to the Cobras attack, but lacked a partner who was able to go the distance.
Khaya Zondo converted his overnight score of 90 not out into his sixth first-class hundred in the morning session, but the Dolphins were still only able to add 41 to their first innings score before Zondo fell for 120 and they were bowled out for 245.
Beuran Hendricks (4 for 42) and Dane Paterson (4 for 69) had already done most of the damage on day two, and finished with standout figures.
The hosts then suffered a catastrophic collapse as they followed on, falling to 8 for four in 15 deliveries.
While Paterson took two of the wickets to fall, it was decided that his new-ball partner would be debutant Mpilo Njoloza, who duly struck with his first two deliveries.
Van Wyk rebuilt the innings with his brother, Divan, as the pair put on 155 for the fifth wicket, but eventually Dane Piedt grabbed his first wicket of the match when he had Divan caught for 48.
Morné van Wyk added a further 53 with Ryan Mclaren, but the all-rounder also fell to Piedt (2 for 28) shortly before the weather enforced an early tea.
The players were unable to get back onto the field thereafter, and so Van Wyk will return to the crease on Sunday with Daryn Smit, no doubt hoping for some more assistance from the elements.
