Big hundred from Malan gives Cobras chance to push for first win

PIETER MALAN led a superb batting performance by the Cape Cobras as they gave themselves a chance of victory after three days of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Warriors at Newlands in Cape Town yesterday.

The right-hander recorded his 25th career century and fell just shy of a double ton after amassing 195 (277 balls, 26 fours, two sixes) to help bolster the hosts to 530 for eight declared – a lead of 183.

Dane Piedt (1/9) then claimed the wicket of Gionne Koopman (seven) in the six overs that were bowled before the close, to leave the Warriors on 12 for one – still 171 behind with a day to play.

Considering most of the first day was lost due to wet weather, it was a fine display from the home side and gave them every chance of forcing victory.

Aviwe Mgijima, Justin Ontong and Piedt all hit half-centuries, with the skipper plundering an unbeaten 52 from only 38 balls (two fours, four sixes) to help take the game swiftly forward.

Mgijima fell 10 short of a century after hitting 90 (155 balls, 11 fours), with Ontong making 69 (117 balls, six fours, one six).

The best of the bowlers for the Warriors was Basheer Walters with three for 112.

Meanwhile, the Titans have strong-armed their way into a winning position, and all that stands between them and the first outright victory of the Sunfoil Series is final-day obduracy from the Dolphins, who leaked 11 wickets on a hot and testing third day in Maritzburg yesterday. Scores: Titans 500/6 decl. Dolphins 216 and 160/2 (S Erwee 88) Lions 464 and 198/2 decl. Knights 261 and 35/1