Johannesburg - Dolphins bowlers Daryn Dupavillon and Graham Hume sent shock waves through the Knights camp as they rattled them with three quick wickets towards the end of the third day of their domestic Sunfoil Series clash in Kimberley on Saturday.
The visitors have been in control of this match from the start and Saturday was no different as they built a lead of 197 on the first innings and then raced to 175 for three declared in 35 overs to set their opponents the task of scoring 369 to win.
By the close, the Knights' chances of survival, much less victory, looked slim as Dupavillon took two wickets and Hume one, all the dismissals coming with the score on seven, before the Knights limped to 11 for three at the close.
Earlier, Michael Erlank top-scored with 55 for the Knights to lend some respectability to the total, but they still fell well short of the Dolphins' 452 when they were dismissed for 255.
Divan van Wyk then set the pattern for the Dolphins second innings with 65 runs in 93 balls as they chased quick runs.
HANDY LEAD FOR WARRIORS IN PE
In Port Elizabeth, the Cape Cobras look set for an interesting final day run-chase as the Warriors built a handy second innings of 254 for six by the close for an overall lead of 258.
The home side took a small first innings lead of four runs when they dismissed the Cobras for 199, but the visitors fought back well in the second innings. Good bowling by Dane Paterson (2/62) and Justin Kemp (2/38) saw the Warriors make stuttering progress to 176 for six.
But Andrew Birch, who took three wickets in the Cobras first innings, then showed his ability with the bat and joined skipper Colin Ingram to prevent any further damage as they added 78 for the seventh wicket.
Birch reached his half-century just before the close and Ingram was on 44. They will be key players on Sunday as the Warriors try to build a lead in excess of 300.
TITANS FRUSTRATE LIONS BOWLERS
In Benoni, Heino Kuhn hit a superb 182 not out for the Titans to frustrate the Lions attack in a match which looks headed for a draw.
At the close of play, the Titans had reached 374 for four in reply to the Lions' 485 for seven declared.
Kuhn batted throughout the day as he stabilised the Titans' reply, receiving outstanding support from Cobus Pienaar (66), with whom he added 147 for the third wicket, and Roelof van der Merwe (66) as they added 146 for the fourth wicket.