A Zubayr Hamza double hundred has put the Cape Cobras in charge of the 4-Day Series title race on the final day of the season.
The Proteas Test batsman scored 201 as Ashwell Prince’s manne declared on 523/7 yesterday in Pietermaritzburg against the Dolphins.
Play resumed with Hamza on 104, alongside Kyle Verreynne (41) on 245/3 and the pair kicked on, stretching their partnership to 176 for the fourth wicket before the latter was disappointingly run-out for 88.
But Hamza added another 97 alongside Aviwe Mgijima before the Cobras hit out to reach their confident total.
In replay the hosts reached 66/0 - still trailing by 147 runs in their second innings - when bad light ended play with more than 20 overs still remaining.
It was a superb effort from Hamza as his side claimed enough bonus points to ensure they were ahead of title rivals the Lions heading into Thursday’s final day of the 4-Day campaign.
While the match looks headed for a draw, the log-leading Cobras still have the edge on close rivals the Lions, who also appear to be frustrated by a stalemate against the Warriors.
At stumps on Day Three, the Lions were on 292/9, with a lead of 329 runs heading into the final day.