Bad light helped to push the North West Dragons over the line and out of safety in a pulsating and intriguing CSA 4-Day Cup match against the Lions at the Wanderers from 13-17 November.
The Lions needed 46 more runs for victory in the final session on day 4 before the umpires halted the Lions who were on 34/3 after 5 overs.
The Dragons were chasing the game for most of the match after the Lions scored 504/5 declared. Wiaan Mulder (121), Zubayr Hamza (118), Joshua Richards (82), Dominic Hendricks (64) and Ryan Rickelton (58) all contributed the Lions’ massive total.
Ruan de Swardt (2/65) was the best bowler for the Dragons.
The Dragons made good work of the chase reaching 345 all out. Raynard van Tonder (87) and Migael Pretorius (69) were the top-scorers for the Dragons. Wickets at crucial stages though made it difficult for the Dragons who lost Grant Mokoena for 43 and Senuran Muthusamy for 45.
The Dragons were sent back to follow-on and were in trouble at 140/6. Pretorius though played a match saving innings of 72* (120 balls). He batted superbly with the tail and put on a 36-run partnership with Kerwin Mungroo who scored 4 in 27 balls.
In the end, the clouds crept in and helped the Dragons to keep the Lions at bay, who had hopes of chasing the 80 runs needed for victory.
The Dragons return home to Potch for the next CSA 4-day match against the KZN Inland Tuskers at the J.B. Marks Oval on 30 November.
The Dragons are currently fifth on the log on 25.74 points with two draws from their two matches.
