Lions survive with the help of bad light

Ken Borland

Conceding a massive first-innings lead of 425 runs to the Cape Cobras meant the Highveld Lions needed to bat for the better part of two days to save their FourDay Domestic Series match at the Wanderers yesterday.

With the help of bad light, the Lions were able to survive unscathed the five overs they had to face on the second day, Stephen Cook and Omphile Ramela taking them to 11 without loss.

It was one of the major successes of a miserable day for the Lions. They needed 127.2 overs to finally bowl the Cobras out for 529.

Overnight batsmen Janneman Malan and David Bedingham completed their centuries in the morning, Malan taking 185 balls and strokeplayer Bedingham getting there in 146 deliveries, with 13 fours and three sixes.

Malan went on to a fine 137, while Bedingham was bowled for 102 by Beuran Hendricks, who stood out with the ball for the Lions, the left-arm quick taking five for 101 in 27 overs.

Hendricks also dismissed Malan, but even though he broke the 178-run third-wicket stand, the Lions still struggled to deal with Kyle Verreynne (65), Jason Smith (65) and skipper Dane Piedt (57) as the Cobras piled on the runs.

The match in Kimberley between the Knights and the Dolphins would certainly win more votes for the more exciting contest, with the visitors ending the second day with a lead of 50 runs, but having already lost two second-innings wickets.

The Knights had begun the day on 24 for two, replying to the Dolphins first innings of 268.

Knights captain Pite van Biljon, an under-rated batsman, led the way for his team in the early stages of the day, making a classy 70, but left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy produced the outstanding performance of the day for the Dolphins, taking four quick wickets to reduce the home side to 190 for eight.

They were eventually bowled out for 266. Ryan McLaren and Duanne Olivier then each took a wicket to reduce the Dolphins to 48 for two at stumps.