Powerful Titans claim title

SuperSport Series

The Titans overwhelmed the Dolphins at Benoni to claim the SuperSport title as their bowling attack filled with international stars proved too much. Paul Harris took 4 for 66 as the Dolphins stumbled to 238, a total that was quickly put into perspective. Heino Kuhn (123) and Gulam Bodi (103) struck centuries as all bar the No. 11 Dale Steyn reached double figures and the lead grew to 225. Ahmed Amla led a fighting response after Steyn removed the openers cheaply, but Alfonso Thomas and Harris chipped away at the line-up. Jon Kent fought hard for an unbeaten 72, but the Titans needed just 82. They eased home in under 17 overs.

Two double centuries dominated the match at Kimberley between the Eagles and the Warriors. Craig Thyssen's 200 helped build Warriors' massive 582 for 6, the centrepiece of which was his stand of 278 with Murray Goodwin (156). However, Boeta Dippenaar went even better, finishing unbeaten on 250 off 305 balls. His innings included 40 fours and a six, while he put on 253 for the third wicket with Ryan Bailey (104). Morne van Wyk declared 93 behind to try and open up the match, but the pitch was too flat and Zander de Bruyn, the Warriors captain, was only prepared to set 346 in less than two sessions.

Rain on the third day put paid to any real chance of a result between the Lions and the Cobras at Potchefstroom. The Cobras were in the box seat after compiling 418, with a top socre of 71 from No. 8 Vernon Philander as Tyron Henderson grabbed 6 for 103 from nearly 46 overs of hard work. Rory Kleinveldt then ran through the Lions' middle order with 5 for 75 and at 214 for 9 the follow-on was looming. However, Neil McKenzie found support from last-man Gerhard de Bruin and McKenzie battled to 109 before rain lopped off almost half of the third day. The Cobras threw the bat on the final morning, before setting 310. The Lions had an early dip, but three more wickets for Kleinveldt made them pull down the shutters.