Share

Lions fight but Cobras in control

Cape Town - Half-centuries from Nicky van den Bergh and Dwaine Pretorius helped the Highveld Lions fight back on day three of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Cape Cobras but they were still facing defeat at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn on Saturday.

The visitors reached stumps on 247/7 – a lead of 100 – although it was a far better showing with the bat after their dismal 126 first time around.

Right-hander Van den Bergh top-scored with 93 (252 balls, 10 fours) and Proteas all-rounder Pretorius hit 62 (113 balls, 8 fours).

The men from Johannesburg had started out the day on 32/0 replying to the Cobras’ 273, but lost four wickets for the addition of just 16 runs as Rassie van der Dussen (13), Reeza Hendricks (28), captain Dominic Hendricks (0) and Kagiso Rapulana (1) fell without significantly contributing on the third morning.

That left all the responsibility on the shoulders of Van den Bergh and Pretorius, who shared a 97-run fifth wicket stand, before Jason Smith, the pick of the bowlers with 2/23, broke through with the wicket of the latter.

Mangaliso Mosehle (21) helped the former add a further 60 for the sixth wicket, before he was run out, while Van den Bergh fell in the final hour handing the advantage firmly in favour of the home side.

Wayne Parnell (2/46) picked up two wickets as the Cobras closed in on a first victory of the season.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE