Titans have sniff at win on day three

THREE wickets apiece by Malusi Siboto and Shaun von Berg followed by some attacking batting gave the Titans a slim chance of victory after three days of their Sunfoil Series cricket clash against the Warriors in Benoni yesterday.

Proteas star AB de Villiers was at the heart of the home side’s intentions with an unbeaten 32 from 26 balls, but he was stopped by the weather with his team on 97 for two in 18 overs – a lead of 157.

Earlier on, the visitors managed to add just over 100 to their overnight 158 for five as they were dismissed for 261.

Captain Jon-Jon Smuts made 63 (113 balls, 10 fours), before three for 84 by Von Berg and Alfred Mothoa’s two for 23 helped run through the tail. Siboto also picked up three for 31.

The Titans came out in attacking mode with the bat, scoring at over 5.3 runs to the over.

Jonathan Vandiar hit 23 off 39 balls, before De Villiers and Heinrich Klaasen (23 off 22 balls) shared an unbroken 49-run stand that was disrupted by the rain and then bad light.

Both wickets were taken by Simon Harmer (2/29).

In Oudtshoorn, half-centuries by Kyle Verreynne and Dane Piedt ensured the Cape Cobras and the Knights were evenly poised at the Recreation Ground.

The pair put on 105 runs for the seventh wicket to ensure the hosts closed to within 42 of the visitors’ 489 for five declared when they were bowled out for 447.

The defending champions then reached three without loss before bad light ended play almost an entire session early.

In Pietermaritzburg, three wickets from Aaron Phangiso ensured the Highveld Lions enjoyed a strong third day of their clash against the Dolphins.

The hosts reached stumps on 185 for six with the spinner taking three for 59, although time was against the visitors in their quest to press for a result.