Cape Cobras opener Pieter Malan and allrounder Jason Smith are refusing to go down to the Lions in their 4-Day clash in Paarl.
With the hosts on the verge of defeat, chasing 433 runs for victory and already five wickets down on Thursday, Malan (95*) and Smith (59*) dropped anchor to share a stubborn 111-run unbeaten sixth-wicket stand and give their team a glimmer of hope to save the match on the final day today.
But they will know that they have a tough task at hand if the Cobras are to remain unbeaten in this tournament.
With Lions spinners Aaron Phangiso (2/49) and Bjorn Fortuin (3/37) in top form after claiming the first five Cobras wickets for a grand total of just 75, the duo will need a cricketing miracle if they are going to help their team chase down a further 247 runs required for victory today.
Earlier on Day Three on Thursday, the Lions resumed their overnight score on 104/4.
They added another 129 runs before being bowled out for 233.
Cobras captain Dane Piedt (5/99) was the star performer for his team with ball in hand on a day that saw the spinners reign supreme at Boland Park.