Malan gives Cobras the upper hand

PIETER Malan hit his 28th first-class century as the Cape Cobras ground away at the Knights and ended day two in the lead in their Four-Day Series clash at Newlands yesterday.

The opener produced yet another master class that will do his push for higher honours no harm as he kept the Cobras innings together.

Malan ended the day unbeaten on 118 (282 balls, 16x4) in 11 minutes short of seven hours at the crease, having taken guard late on Monday when the Knights were bowled out for 279 in their first innings.

The 29-year-old right-hander’s excellent effort saw the Cobras to the close at 302/6 off exactly 100 overs.

Malan started the day with his brother Janneman at 12/0, and the new Cobras openers took the total to a handy 59 before Janneman was bowled by Ottniel Bartman for 38 (69 balls, 7x4).

Cobras coach Ashwell Prince will be disappointed, though, that his top-order didn’t hang around long enough with Pieter Malan to take charge of the match.

Zubayr Hamza (20), debutant David Bedingham (26) and Kyle Verreynne (27) all got starts.

It was up to Aviwe Mgijima to lay some sort of platform with Malan, and the pair added 59 for the fourth wicket, 40 of which came from the bat of Mgijima (79 balls, 6x4).

Captain Dane Piedt didn’t last long, and with the Cobras at 261/6, the Knights were fighting hard to claim some form of a lead, but it was not to be as Malan reached his century, and Rory Kleinveldt hit two fours and a six in a 35-ball 20 not out.

The match is still in the balance, though. Malan and Kleinveldt will look to occupy the crease for as long as possible today, with the Knights aiming for quick wickets.