Johannesburg – Rory Kleinveldt and Johann Louw took three wickets apiece to help the Cape Cobras stun the Warriors late on the final day of their Sunfoil Series clash and claim an 18-run victory at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday.
Chasing 294 for victory, the visitors were on target for most of their chase thanks to a 14th career century from Davy Jacobs, who was eventually out for 104 from 200 balls.
But all-rounder Kleinveldt, recently called into the Proteas Test squad for their tour to Australia, ended with three for 64 and veteran Louw claimed three for 42 to leave the Warriors all out for 275.
The win enabled the Cobras to stretch their lead at top of the log standings to over 10 points over their second-placed opponents.
Just four overs were bowled at the start of the day, before the home side declared on 297/8, having added 10 runs for the loss of three wickets, amongst them their key lower-order hitters, Dane Vilas and Kleinveldt both for four.
JJ Smuts, who claimed one of the wickets, ended as the pick of the bowlers with 4/45, with Yaseen Vallie finishing unbeaten on 33.
The Warriors lost Michael Price (six) early in the chase when he was dismissed by Kleinveldt, but Jacobs and JJ Smuts added 50 in 63 deliveries to take their side to lunch on 93/1.
JJ Smuts reached his 17th career half-century from 71 balls shortly before the interval, but then fell for 54 immediately after when he was cleaned up by Kleinveldt.
Ashwell Prince took up the mantle with Jacobs, who soon passed 50 in 85 deliveries, and the pair put on 70 for the third wicket to leave the visitors strongly placed for victory with only 123 required, eight wickets in hand and almost half the day still to play.
But the veteran Proteas batsman could not keep down a ball that turned from off-break bowler Dane Piedt and played it straight to Vallie at short leg for 32.
Colin Ingram (14) fell shortly after the 200 came up, while Kelly Smuts (22) and Jacobs also fell in quick succession as panic set in, before the lower order and tail were rolled over – Justin Kemp (2/35) taking the final two wickets to fall.
Earlier in the day, the match between the Dolphins and Knights was finally abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Bad weather and a wet pitch at the Pietermaritzburg Oval all played a part in the teams not being able to play.
They were awarded five points each and both remain winless after playing three games each so far. – Sapa