Cobras begin title defence with big win

The Cobras began the opening round of this season's Pro20 competition as they ended last season's campaign - at the top of the log. They beat the Highveld Lions by 42 runs in Cape Town. Herschelle Gibbs, the long time favourite son of Newlands, raised his half-century off just 26 balls before he was dismissed for 53. Richard Levi was the other major contributor for the home side with an undefeated 43 of 20 balls as the Cobras put on an imposing 179 in 20 overs.

There were some encouraging signs in the bowling department for the Lions. Robert Frylink showed impressive form with 4 for 31 and Aaron Phangiso's left-arm spin earned him 3 for 23. Phangiso also took an amazing catch at mid-on to dismiss Gibbs.

The Lions' batting also showed promise. Vaughn van Jaarsveld came to the party with 39 off 22 balls, as did Dane Vilas with 32 off 18 balls. There must have been bitterness though, as two former Lions players undid the Highveld team. Justin Ontong (3 for 27) and Charl Langeveldt (3 for 18) had the Lions looking like kittens once again. Their last six batsmen scored 17 runs collectively as the Lions collapsed for 137 after 19 overs.

Down the road in East London, matters were more tense, with the Warriors beating the Eagles by a slender three runs. The Warriors may have felt that they were a few runs short after posting 149 for 7. Colin Ingram, who ended the MTN40 as the top scorer, scored 61 off 49 balls. Nicky Boje chipped in with 32 off 20 balls, batting at No. 6.

Makhaya Ntini removed Morne van Wyk in the third over of the Eagles' reply but that was the only success for the Mdingi Express as Ryan Bailey's 73 off 47 balls seemed to set the Eagles up for victory. None of the other batsmen had any major contributions but the Eagles looked well placed with Bailey at the crease. The Free Staters needed seven runs off the last four balls but Juan Theron denied them with a succession of well-directed yorkers.

The match between the Dolphins and the Titans in Durban was abandoned due to bad weather. That means the teams shared the points and lie in third and fourth place respectively. The Cobras are on top of the log with their comprehensive win, followed by the Warriors, while the Eagles lie in fifth and the Lions are, once again, languishing at the bottom.

Round two sees the Dolphins aim to get their first match action against the Warriors and the Titans take on the Cobras on Sunday.