Cook stars as Lions maul Cape Cobras

Cape Town - Stephen Cook ended unbeaten on 97 as the Highveld Lions completed the formalities early on the third morning to secure a 10-wicket victory over the Cape Cobras in their season-opening Sunfoil Series clash at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.

The home captain and Proteas opener struck 17 fours in his 91-ball innings to help his team race to the 160-run victory target in just 26.5 overs.

Rassie van der Dussen, usually the more attacking of the pair, made exactly 50 (74 balls, 8 fours) as the pair put on a record first-wicket stand against the Cobras - beating the previous best of 148, which they themselves put on at Paarl last season.

Only 43 more were needed for victory when the Lions started out the day on 117/0 and they got there in a hurry to make sure they started 2016/17 with a bang.

They took 15.08 points from the game, while the Cobras claimed four as their season began on the wrong foot.