Cobras’ Malan, Khomari making most of batting hot streak

balls (12x4) saw the Cobras opening batsman surge to the top of the Momentum OneDay Cup run-scoring charts with 489 runs at the average of 61.12. The tall right-hander required 66 balls for his first 50, but only 52 more for the next 50 as he tried to pick up the pace on a pitch where stroke-making was not always easy.

Khomari grafted his way to 79 off 103 balls (3x4) in the familiar surroundings of his home ground. The left-hander has oozed class since being drafted into the Cobras team three matches ago, with yesterday’s innings being his third consecutive half-century – in the process improving his franchise best in every game too.

He would, though, have ● Kimberley: Titans (309/6) beat the Knights (214) by 95 runs ● Durban: Warriors (208/3) beat the Dolphins (207) by seven wickets

been disappointed that he failed to convert this promising innings into a maiden franchise ton, but that will be softened by the fact that Khomari now boasts 204 runs at the hugely impressive average of 102.

The duo’s 164-run partnership for the second wicket was the backbone of the Cobras’ 273/6, which ultimately proved too much for a Lions’ batting unit low on confidence.

The visitors would have required a couple of their premier batsmen to match Malan and Khomari’s efforts, but the tournament’s in-form new-ball pair of Rory Kleinveldt (3/48) and Dane Paterson once again provided the perfect start for the Cobras.

They were miserly up front, with Kleinveldt providing the all-important opening strike when Lions captain Stephen Cook was caught by his Cobras counterpart JP Duminy for just six off 15 balls. After a rare failure with the bat in the pursuit of quick runs, Duminy was determined to make up in the field and struck another vital blow when he had Reeza Hendricks caught and bowled for 22 a few overs later.

Dominic Hendricks fought a lone battle for the Lions with 77 off 98 balls (6x4), but required support from the other end if the visitors were going to get close. This never materialised as the Cobras chipped away at the Lions’ middle-order by picking up regular wickets.

The home team also raised their effort in the field, which accounted for two crucial runouts. Former Cobras captain Omphile Ramela was sent on his way by a direct-hit from Duminy – a further contribution from the skipper in the field – before Hendricks too was caught out short of his ground.

Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius provided the Lions with a glimmer of hope with a breezy 46 off 41 balls (3x4, 1x5), but promising all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem saw to his demise before Kleinveldt finished off the Lions’ challenge with two more wickets.