Philander saves the day ... again

Western Province 173 and 120 for 4 (Philander 65*) trail Griqualand West 311 (Bosman 106) by 18 runs
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Griqualand West recovered from 134 for 7 to post 311 against Western Province at Kimberley. Mbulelo Bosman scored his maiden hundred, and the captain Wendell Bossenger - who resumed after retiring hurt overnight with a suspected fractured nose - battled on bravely for 45 to frustrate WP, who then made a dismal start to their second dig as Alan Kruger took three quick wickets. Again it was Vernon Philander who rescued the innings, moving to within one of his career-best score, which he made only yesterday.

Eastern Province 230 for 8 dec and 166 lead Boland 109 and 138 for 5 by 149 runs
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Boland, 121 behind on first innings at Paarl, fought back strongly to bowl Eastern Province out for 166, setting up a stiff target of 288. Jacques van Wyk and Henry Davids picked up three wickets apiece. But a terrible start in the run-chase reduced Boland to 18 for 3, and they were further hindered when Rayno Arendse was run out for 33. Warren Swan batted well for his 44, but when he was out leg-before Boland were struggling at 98 for 5. Wesley Euley (31*) and Brandon Adams (16*) lifted them to 138 for 5 by the close, but they need another 150 to win.

Border 282 for 9 dec (Bradfield 64, Makalima 64, Hinkel 52) lead KwaZulu-Natal 160 for 3 by 122 runs
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Border could only add 34 to their overnight score at East London, losing five wickets in the process as they attempted to maximise their batting bonus points. Dumisa Makalima was run out from the first ball of the day, while Warwick Hinkel only added four runs before holing out. KwaZulu-Natal began well, but once again promising starts were not turned into big scores, and they had reached 160 for 3 when bad light brought an early end to the day with 43 overs still to be bowled.

Free State 419 and 236 for 7 (du Preez 83, de Bruin 4-90, Mafa 3-74) lead Gauteng 270 (Snijman 102, du Preez 5-36) by 385 runs
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Gauteng has a lot of hard work on the third and last day at the Wanderers as Free State sits in a commanding position. Blake Snijman with his maiden hundred kept the Gauteng innings together but they still ended the first innings 149 runs behind as Dillon du Preez picked up five wickets.

Not only did du Preez register a career-best 5 for 36, but with the bat he also scored a career-best 83 to help Free State to 236 for 7 and a lead of 385. Gerhard de Bruin and Johnson Mafa the chief wicket takers for Gauteng.