Van Zyl ton takes Cobras closer to play-offs

Cape Cobras 262 for 5 (Van Zyl 113, Vallie 58, Van der Wath 2-63) beat Knights 236 (Du Preez 66, Friend 51, Kemp 3-38) by 26 runs
Scorecard

A century from Stiaan van Zyl, and his 136-run third-wicket stand with Yaseen Vallie helped Cape Cobras to a 26-run win over Knights in Cape Town. The win helped Cape Cobras retain their one-point lead over Dolphins at the top of the table and strengthened their chances of a top-three finish and a place in the play-offs.

Van Zyl, who had struck 52 in the previous game against Lions, smashed 12 fours during his 144-ball 113, and was well-supported at the other end by Vallie, who contributed 58 off 91 balls. Vallie was bowled in the 46th over with the score at 211 for 3, but Justin Ontong, coming in at No.5, blasted four fours and a six as he raced to 24 off just 7 balls, to take Cobras to 262 for 5 in their 50 overs.

Cobras began their defence strongly as well, as Justin Kemp and Shaheen Khan struck regularly to leave Knights precariously placed at 115 for 8.

Restricting Knights to 209 or lesser would've earned Cobras a bonus point, but Dillon du Preez and Quinton Friend, resisted adding 108 for the ninth wicket. The last time the pair put on a substantial stand, against Dolphins on Wednesday, they won the game for Knights. However, they couldn't replicate that success in this game. Du Preez was removed in the 45th over, and Shaheen bowled Friend out in the 46th to bundle the Knights out for 236.

Dolphins 240 for 5 (Van Jaarsveld 65, Chetty 54) beat Titans 237 for 9 (Mosehle 54, Abbott 3-40) by five wickets
Scorecard

A 118-run contribution for the fourth wicket between Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Cody Chetty helped Dolphins chase down 237 against Titans, with seven balls remaining, to seal a five-wicket win and take them closer to the play-offs.

The Dolphins opener Morne van Wyk had given the team a good start, powering his way to a 45-ball 47 with seven fours and a six. Titans fought back with three quick wickets to leave Dolphins at 65 for 3 in the 15th over, but Van Jaarsveld and Chetty counterattacked, adding 118 in 24.3 overs. Van Jaarsveld eventually departed in the 39th over for 65 off 73 balls, including six fours and a six. With 49 needed off the last 10 overs, Dolphins were comfortable but Chetty's wicket in the 41st over brought Titans back.

Khaya Zondo and Daryn Smith, however, eased the nerves, as their 49-run contribution for the sixth wicket took Dolphins home.

Titans' innings, was earlier propelled by a 60-ball 54 from Mangaliso Mosehle, after the captain Henry Davids and Farhaan Behardien had chipped in with 44 apiece.

The defeat was a big blow for Titans, as it pushed them out of the top three. Titans, who are nine points behind Warriors, will have to win all three of their remaining games now to stand a chance of qualifying for the play-offs.

The game between Warriors and Lions was abandoned without a ball being bowled, due to rain. Warriors, however, are well on course for a top-three finish. They are currently third on 20 points from seven games, behind Cape Cobras and Dolphins, but with an extra game in hand. The top team in the qualifies for the final, while the second and third-placed teams will play a semi-fina.