De Bruyn hits 127 as Titans fight back
The momentum shifted in Centurion yesterday with the Titans mounting an impressive comebacks led by Theunis de Bruyn, ending the second day of the Four-Day Domestic Series match against the Cape Cobras with a lead of 86 runs and five wickets intact in the second innings.
When the Cobras’ ninth-wicket pair of Jason Smith and Tladi Bokako (34) took their partnership to 79 in the morning session, giving the visitors a first-innings lead of 115, there was a good chance the match would be over on the second day, especially with the Titans having been shot out for just 122 in the first innings.
Smith batted as well as anyone on the tricky pitch, scoring 92, while leg-spinner Shaun von Berg led the Titans’ bowling with 4/70.
The Titans were batting eight overs before lunch and Tony de Zorzi began the fightback with a brisk 47, but it was De Bruyn who single-handedly turned the tide.
He fought hard, never allowing the Cobras bowlers to settle as he stroked 127 not out, off just 161 balls with 22 fours. He found an ally in Jonathan Vandiar, who provided great support with 98.
Together they added 230 for the fourth wicket, steering the Titans to 301/5 at stumps.
In Durban, the Warriors conceded a first-innings lead of 160 to the Dolphins, but even that represented a transformation in fortunes as the home side had been 110/0 thanks to Sarel Erwee (44) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld.
Sisanda Magala removed both openers, but not before Van Jaarsveld had scored a determined 138, his dismissal seeing the Dolphins slip to 221/5.
Sibonelo Makhanya batted through to the end of the innings though, scoring a defiant 54 not out to get the Dolphins to 335, Lutho Sipamla taking 4/59.
The Warriors had cut the deficit to 78 as they reached 82/1 by stumps, Gihahn Cloete adding to his first-innings half-century with 43 not out.
The Highveld Lions finished the second day of their match at the Wanderers on 333/7 and lead the Knights by 67 runs.
Temba Bavuma, with 94, and wicketkeeper Nicky van den Bergh, with 59, were the stars.