Kruger wrecks Warriors with hat-trick

A superb spell of pace bowling from Garnett Kruger - including a hat-trick - gave the Lions opening day honours against the Warriors. Kruger sliced through the Warriors' batting line-up and rounded off a fine performance by dismissing Abongile Sodumo, Tyron Henderson and Mario Olivier in three balls. Sodumo's 54 was one of two half-centuries and, along with Arno Jacobs, gave the innings some respectability. When the Lions lost both openers inside seven overs the indication was they would also struggle, but Justin Ontong and Neil McKenzie added an unbroken 63 to give their side the advantage.

Davey Jacobs held the Eagles innings together at Bloemfontein on a damp pitch that assisted the seam bowlers from the Dolphins. The pitch was so damp early on that the umpires halted the game to allow the surface to dry. The Eagles had already lost two wickets by then, but Jacobs steadied the innings reaching a valuable hundred from 154 balls. Ryan McLaren was the other batsman to make an impression, striking a half-century, which boosted the total after Jacobs was bowled by Dale Benkenstein. The Dolphins were hampered by the loss of Nantie Hayward, when he was injured in his sixth over, but the other bowlers chipped in with useful stints.

The Titans fought back with four late wickets to halt a promising start by the Cape Cobras after a delayed start at Newlands. A damp outfield meant play didn't begin until the final session, but Andrew Puttick and Derrin Bassage set about making up for lost time with an opening stand of 92. However, Puttick was caught behind off Alfonso Thomas, who then claimed the prize scalp of Herschelle Gibbs for 9. Gibbs was back playing domestic cricket, after being omitted from the South African team for the final two ODIs against New Zealand, following his decision not to tour India. Dale Steyn and Ethy Mbhalati also struck as the solid opening stand was nullified by the end of the day.