Cobras keep Knights at bay

FIRST Zubayr Hamza and later Kyle Verreynne came to the rescue as the Cape Cobras eventually got over the line in a thrilling four-wicket win over the Knights at Newlands.

Coach Ashwell Prince would’ve expected his team to have a more comfortable journey to victory in their Four-Day Series opener, having managed to bowl out the Knights for 334 in their second innings.

That meant the Cobras had 194 runs to chase, which was an excellent outcome after the Knights looked like setting a big target, having resumed on their overnight score of 240/3.

But after captain Pite van Biljon and wicket-keeper Rudi Second added another 32 runs yesterday, Tladi Bokako struck with the second new ball as he had Second caught behind for 23.

That was the breakthrough the Cobras needed as Dane Paterson rocked the visitors with three quick wickets to leave the Knights on 309/7.

Van Biljon managed to reach his half-century but Paterson (4/68) got his fourth wicket to get rid of the right-hander for 57.

Openers, Malan brothers Janneman and Pieter, were back in the pavilion by the 10th over, with the Cobras reeling on 25/2, Duanne Olivier and McLaren sharing the wickets.

It was up to star No 3 Zubayr Hamza to handle the pressure, and didn’t he just.

With Verreynne, Hamza dropped anchor at the other end and got to his 21st first-class half-century.

The hosts were then in a tricky situation at 173/6, but Rory Kleinveldt ended the game with a four, two and six.