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Lions gain massive lead over Cobras

Cape Town - A brilliant all-round bowling display by the Highveld Lions helped stop the Cape Cobras in their tracks after the 4-Day Domestic Series log-leaders fell apart on the second day of their clash in Paarl on Tuesday.

The home side, who have won all four matches of 2018/19 thus far for a massive lead at the top of the table, were blown away for just 138 in their first innings.

Nono Pongolo (3/29) and Aaron Phangiso (3/11) claimed three wickets apiece, while there were doubles from Nandre Burger (2/34) and Bjorn Fortuin (2/23) – the visitors dominating at Boland Park.

The Lions then reached stumps on a 104 for four to take a telling 303-run lead heading into day three.

It completed a surprisingly poor day for the hosts, who started the day well enough by taking just over 10 overs to claim the final three first-inning wickets of their Johannesburg-based opponents. Dane Piedt struck twice to end with three for 119, while the other stick went to Dane Paterson, allowing him to complete his 12th career five-for with five for 81.

The Lions were bowled out for 337, and then came a consistent performance with the ball from their bowlers.

Without the suspended Beuran Hendricks, one of the leading bowlers of the season, the rest of his team-mates stood up by striking at regular intervals to blow away the Cobras in 51.1 overs.

Zubayr Hamza top-scored with 56 (113 balls, 5 fours), but only two others – Janneman Malan (22) and Aviwe Mgijima (24) – managed double figures.

It meant the Cobras were dismissed for their lowest score of the season.

To their credit, the Cobras did fight back as Stephen Cook (3), Dominic Hendricks (9), Temba Bavuma (17) and Wiaan Lubbe (23) fell cheaply.

Rassie van der Dussen was also forced to retire hurt on nought, but Nicky van den Bergh (41 not out) kept them ahead in the game.

Piedt was the best of the bowlers with two for 49.

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