Ex-Cape Cobras batsman Temba Bavuma returned to Paarl on Monday to haunt his former teammates in the 4-Day Series.
Bavuma, who moved back to the Lions at the start of the season after a stint at the Cobras, scored a patient 51 to help put the visitors in the driving seat at stumps on Day One of the match.
After winning the toss, Cobras captain Dane Piedt decided to bowl first.
And after getting rid of the Lions’ two openers Stephen Cook (25) and Dominic Hendricks (10) fairly cheaply, the Lions’ scorecard read 42/2.
That’s when Bavuma and Wihan Lubbe (101) joined forces for a third-wicket stand that frustrated their hosts.
Bavuma ultimately lost his wicket to Mthiwekhaya Nabe after 136 minutes at the crease and after sharing a superb 118-run third wicket partnership with Lubbe.
The latter, though, kept on fighting and scored a century in a knock that included six sixes and five fours before he was trapped leg before by Dane Paterson (4/58).
Rassie van der Dussen then smacked a quick-fire 66 off 100 balls but was clean bowled shortly before the close of play by Piedt.
But it was Cobras speedster Paterson that would have the last laugh of the day, claiming two more late wickets to leave the Lions on 300/7 at stumps.