Lions gain a massive lead

Superb bowling by Nono Pongolo and Aaron Phangiso ensured that the Highveld Lions gained a massive first-innings lead over the Cape Cobras, that they had stretched to 303 by stumps on the second day of their Four-Day Franchise Series match in Paarl yesterday.

The Lions began the day by taking their overnight score of 300 for seven to 337 all out, with paceman Dane Paterson taking the last wicket to finish with a five-wicket haul that was his second of the season.

But then Pongolo produced a superb display of seam bowling as he trapped Cobras openers, Pieter (3) and Janneman Malan (22) and then bowled Aviwe Mgijima for 24 to end a fourth-wicket stand of 41 with Zubayr Hamza that threatened to stabilise the Cobras.

Although Hamza went on to score a determined 56, that was the last double-figures contribution as left-arm spinner Phangiso took three for 11 in six overs to bundle the Cobras out for just 138.

Leading by 199, the Lions had a troubled start to their second innings as off-spinner Dane Piedt took two quick wickets and Rassie van der Dussen had to retire before opening his account due to a bee sting, but Nicky van den Bergh put that behind him with 41 not out to lift them to 104 for four at stumps and a lead of 303.

The game in Kimberley is following a similar pattern with the Knights taking their overnight 284 for nine to 293 all out, Warriors opening bowler Anrich Nortje finishing with five for 51, also his second five-wicket haul this season.

In Durban, Eldred Hawken (131-49-3) wrapped up the Dolphins innings for 186 in the second over of the day, dismissing Keshav Maharaj for a blockbusting 75 with his fourth ball of the day.

Fellow pacemen Tshepo Moreki (13-4-34-3) and Matthew Arnold (14-5-49-3) did most of the damage on the first day.