Tough series final for Lions

The defending champions and log-leading Imperial Lions are in a poor position going into the final day of their 4-Day Domestic Series match against the bottomof-the-log Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg, struggling on 98 for four as they chase an improbable 430 for victory.

The Lions began and ended the third day batting, with their meagre first-innings effort ending on 147 all out, the pace of Daryn Dupavillon earning him four for 29 and the off-spin of Prenelan Subrayen providing great support as he took three for 21.

The Dolphins, enjoying a first-innings lead of 234, then rattled up 195 for six declared with opener Sarel Erwee scoring a round 50 to add to his century in the first innings and veteran Vaughn van Jaarsveld making the same score.

Andile Phehlukwayo then removed both Lions openers to immediately have their second innings on shaky ground, with Subrayen then picking up two more wickets to leave the visitors in serious trouble.

One ray of hope is that Temba Bavuma, tasked by the national selectors with getting back into the Proteas set-up through weight of runs, is still at the crease, on 41 not out.

At Newlands, the Titans are hatching a brilliant comeback in their match against the Cape Cobras, thanks to a determined unbeaten century by Tony de Zorzi – a bright young batting talent who has been blossoming in recent weeks.

The Titans went into their second innings 169 runs behind after George Linde’s career-best 148 not out, a pugnacious innings that included 16 fours and three sixes, took the Cobras to 456 all out.

Their lead could have been even greater were it not for debutant seamer Ryan Cartwright’s wholehearted effort in taking four for 87 in 30 overs.

Jason Smith trapped both Bafana Mahlangu (10) and Theunis de Bruyn (0) lbw with successive deliveries as the Titans slumped to 18 for two.

But De Zorzi was then joined by Heinrich Klaasen, who changed the momentum of the innings with his knock of 79, the pair adding 143 for the third wicket.

De Zorzi batted for five-andthree-quarter-hours to reach 114 not out by stumps, playing many fine strokes as he collected 16 fours and a six, with Farhaan Behardien reaching the close on 62 not out, ending a lean run after injury, as 110 more runs were added for the fourth wicket.