Wickets tumble at Newlands

A dramatic day at Newlands witnessed 18 wickets fall, but the bat finally dominated during the final session as the Cape Cobras took a firm grip against the Titans. The day began with Alfonso Thomas tearing through the Cape Cobras with a career-best 7 for 54 as the last six wickets fell for 40 runs. However, the Titans then collapsed in more spectacular fashion as they crumbled for 103 with Vernon Philander rushing through the tail with 4 for 6. But sanity prevailed as the Cape Cobras built on their first innings lead with Andrew Puttick striking a measured half-century and Herschelle Gibbs a boundary-studded 56.

Matthew Harris hit his second hundred in two matches as the Lions gained a 104-run lead over the Warriors. The wicketkeeper came in at 161 for 4 and was last-man out after facing 143 balls. His hundred built on the solid work from Justin Ontong and Neil McKenzie, who added 130 for the third wicket, but it would not have been possible without the obdurate support of Gerhard de Bruin who made 16 in almost two hours. Harris and de Bruin added 90 after the Lions slipped to 226 for 8. Johan Botha, the offspinner, enhanced his international claims with four wickets as South Africa considers their spin bowling options for the tour of India.

An impressive performance from the Dolphins' top order put them on course for a sizeable lead against the Eagles. They already hold a 74 run advantage following Imraan Khan's 118. His century was the major contribution while Hashim Amla and Dale Benkenstein also passed fifty. Benkenstein will aim to build on today's work, ending the day unbeaten on 71. Nicky Boje kept a semblance of control on the scoring rate, toiling through 26 overs and claiming 2 for 55.