Young Aiden makes his mark at Newlands

A SECOND successive century from Aiden Markram ensured the Titans were on the road for victory after two days of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Cape Cobras at Newlands in Cape Town yesterday.

The 22- year- old, who hit 162 on his franchise debut last week, followed that with 139 ( 200 balls, 21 fours) as the defending champions amassed 400 all out – a lead of 165 – before reducing the hosts to 37/ 3 by stumps.

Markram was not the only batsman to shine for the visitors on the day.

They resumed on 108/ 1 with Markram and Grant Mokoena ( 59 off 82 balls, seven fours and a six) extending the score to 155 in a second- wicket partnership worth 122.

Farhaan Behardien then hit 79 ( 99 balls, 10 fours and a six), while Qaasim Adams added 51 ( 88 balls, seven fours) as the Titans dominated against a Cobras team lacking confidence after failure to win any of their previous matches this season.

They were eventually dismissed in 103 overs, but by then the men from Pretoria were in a powerful position.

Returning veteran Rory Kleinveldt was the pick of the bowlers with 3/ 76, while Dane Piedt ( 3/ 118) also managed three wickets.

The home side only faced 14 overs second time around, but Shaun von Berg followed his five- for in the first innings with 2/ 3 in three overs to leave them in all sorts of trouble.

Lungi Ngidi ( 1/ 19) took the other wicket, with opener Andrew Puttick left to fight a lone hand unbeaten on 23 and with the home side still needing a further 128 just to make the Titans bat again.