Cobras win thriller against Titans

Cape Cobras took a close, rain-affected game against Titans, at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, by one wicket. Titans got in their full quota of 50 overs, and put on 291 for 7 as all their batsmen contributed decently. Everyone got into double figures but the main contributions came from opener Henry Davids, who top scored with 60, and Farhaan Behardien, who finished unbeaten on 55. The Cobras' reply was shorted to 46 overs, the target revised to 281. Titans' new-ball bowler Marchant de Lange struck at regular intervals to complete a five-for, but it was just not enough. Cobras innings hinged on knocks of 96 from Andrew Puttick and 54 from JP Duminy. They got home with an over to spare, despite a late mini-collapse.

Knights registered a relatively easy six-wicket win against Warriors at the Chevrolet Park in Bloemfontein. Being inserted, Warriors managed 260 for 8 in their 50. Several of their batsmen got starts, but no one other than No. 7 Craig Thyssen managed a half-century. Thyssen finished unbeaten on 63, while Shadley van Schalkwyk was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 53. The Knights' top order was solid in reply. The top three partnerships put on about 50 each to the side to 147 for 3 in the 28th over. Dean Elgar, who finished with 84 not out, then saw the chase through with Boeta Dippenaar. The pair put on the biggest partnership of the match, 86, as Knights got home in 49 overs.

The tournament is nearing the halfway stage, and the Cobras and Knights are at Nos. 1 and 2 respectively on the points table. The new format allows the team that tops the group stage to automatically qualify for the final, while Nos. 2 & 3 will play-off for the other final spot. Cobras and Knights play each other on Wednesday, in what could be crucial game.