Rain causes havoc in opening matches

Match abandoned Cobras 208 for 8 (Ian Harvey 41, Friedel de Wet 3-56)

Heavy rain in Potchefstroom dashed any chances of a result between the Lions and the Cobras. After play got underway at 19:00, and the match reduced to 33 overs each, the Lions struck first by taking the valuable early wickets of Andrew Puttick and Herschelle Gibbs. A partnership between Thami Tsolekile and JP Duminy saw the Cobras go past 100 in the 17th over. Ian Harvey, making his debut in the Standard Bank Cup then upped the tempo with a quick 41, allowing the Cobras to get to 208 for 8 after 32 overs when rain interrupted for a second time. Friedel de Wet was the most impressive of the Gauteng bowlers taking a career best 3 for 56 in his seven overs. With the rain continuing to fall, the umpires had no option but to call the match off.

Eagles 145 for 5 in 34.4 overs (Jacques Rudolph 58, Nicky Boje 66*) beat Titans 123 for 8 in 26 overs by 21 runs (D-L method)

Rain in Bloemfontein resulted in a reduced match between the Eagles and the Titans. Asked to bat first, the Eagles struggled as they were reduced to 17 for 3 after eight overs. The Titans' opening bowlers, Brendon Reddy (2 for 22) and Dale Steyn (3 for 19), maintained a tight line forcing Jacques Rudolph (58) and Nicky Boje (66 not out) into a more watchful approach. Their partnership of 118 restored some stability to the innings and the Eagles made 145 for 5 after 34.4 overs when rain forced the teams off the field. Play resumed with the match reduced to 26 overs and the Titans set a target of 145. A disastrous start saw them reduced to 26 for 4 after 10 overs, a position they never really recovered from. Martin van Jaarsveld tried in vain but when he was run out for 39 the cause was lost. In the end the Titans finished on 123 for 8 with Johannes van der Wath finishing with 3 for 22.

Dolphins 220 for 7 in 45 overs (Doug Watson 114*) beat Warriors 117 for 6 in 25.1 overs (D-L method)

In Durban, rain and lightning played its part in a reduced match. Winning the toss and batting first against the Warriors, the Dolphins reached 220 for 7 in their 45 overs thanks to Doug Watson's 114 not out. With six batsmen failing to get into double figures Watson's innings was invaluable. Justin Kreusch and Mario Olivier were the most successful bowlers taking three wickets apiece. Having started their innings on time the Warriors, barring Kreusch who made 42 , struggled to find any rhythm as they made 110 for 4 in 23.2 overs at the first rain break, and then stumbled to 117 for 6 after 25.1 overs when bad weather interrupted and gave the Dolphins victory by the Duckworth-Lewis method.