Titans wallop pitiful Cobras as Lions survive an almighty choke

The Titans continued their outstanding form in the early stages of the Ram Slam T20 challenge after they cruised to a seven-wicket victory over the Cape Cobras in Centurion on Sunday.

Despite their dominance, the focus didn’t really fall on the home side  but rather their opponents.

It’s been a shocking start to the campaign for the Cobras, who boast some of the foremost Protea talent in the tournament.

Yet coach Ashwell Prince simply hasn’t been able to gel a bunch of superstars with reliable domestic performers.

The Capetonians looked extremely nervy with the bat as they fumbled their way to an inadequate 119/9 after being sent in.

Dale Steyn continued his steady improvement with an excellent spell of 2/16 off his four-over quota and was well supported by a disciplined, varied attack.

The Cobras especially struggled against the web spun by Tabraiz Shamsi, who also only conceded four per over in claiming 1/16, while Lungi Ngidi (2/32) and Malusi Siboto (2/16) were effective as well.

Only skipper JP Duminy’s battling 40 off 43 managed to keep the visitors afloat … barely.

Vernon Philander’s (2/31) superb opening spell accounted for both the dangerous Quinton de Kock and Henry Davids but that hopeful start was quickly eroded by the Cobras’ poor discipline.

Wayne Parnell and Mthiwekhaya Nabe were hit for 19 and 15 off their first overs respectively as AB de Villiers (37 off 22) went on the attack.

His stint with Aiden Markram made the game safe though the Cobras could’ve had a fighting chance if they just did some basics well.

Markram survived a comical run out after he ended up at Farhaan Behardien’s end, only to scamper back after Temba Bavuma missed a shy at the stumps and no-one was present to collect the throw.

The Proteas Test opener was also dropped by George Linde before completing an otherwise fine, unbeaten 51 off 36.

Nabe’s woeful attempt at stopping a Behardien edge for four with his foot – when he should’ve just dived – summed up a pitiful Cobras showing.

In Potchefstroom, Reeza Hendricks’ majestic 102 off 72 guided the Highveld Lions to a six-wicket triumph against the Dolphins.

But the hosts just managed to survive a massive choke after 19-year-old Wiaan Mulder hit a four off the last ball with three needed.

They had needed 15 off 12 with nine wickets standing.

Earlier, the Dolphins recovered from 116/6 to reach 168.

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