Faf du Plessis powered the Nashua Titans to a convincing six-wicket win over the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras in the One-day Cup at Newlands on Friday.
Du Plessis struck a composed 119 off 113 balls to bring an end to the Cobras’ five-match unbeaten run.
The Proteas limited-overs specialist shared a 117-run with his captain, Martin van Jaarsveld who scored 42 off 71 balls in the team's run chase.
The Titans overhauled the Cobras’ 247/8 with eight overs to spare.
Du Plessis enjoyed two lives, dropped on 27 and 65, and ensured the Cobras paid for their fielding lapses.
He was particular severe on Cobras debutant Beuran Hendricks and Rory Kleinveldt, smashing Kleinveldt for three consecutive boundaries in one over.
Farhaan Behardien produced the finishing touches for the visitors with an unbeaten 36.
He and Du Plessis shared a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Charl Langeveldt had given the home side early hope when he claimed three early wickets, and another a bit later, to finish with figures of 4/49.
The veteran swing bowler turned back the clock with a couple of aggressive spells, but needed support from his fellow bowlers.
Ultimately, though the Cobras will rue a poor batting performance.
They were given a brilliant start by the in-form Richard Levi, who hit 38 off just 15 balls. The opener smashed Ethy Mbhalati (0/39 off 2 overs) for 25 runs in his second over.
But Andrew Puttick’s dismissal in the fifth over begun the Cobras collapse.
Levi was next to go, followed by JP Duminy and Owais Shah.
At 89/5, the home side were reeling, and it was only due to a 78-run partnership between Justin Ontong (40) and Robin Petersen (78 not out) that added some respectability to the Cobras total.
Peterson showed his international pedigree by keeping his composure despite wickets falling around him.
He played elegantly through the off-side with couple of glorious cover drives.
All the Titans bowlers did a good job for their side.
Hardus Viljoen was the most successful with 2/41, while Marchant de Lange continued to impress with 1/35.
Left-arm spinner Roloef van der Merwe was also economical with figures of 1/30, while Rowan Richards also captured 2/49.
The Cobras were without regular captain Justin Kemp, who was ruled out with a hand injury, and his bowling was really missed during the middle overs.
Puttick led the Cobras in Kemp’s absence. - Sapa