KIMBERLEY – A second career century by Aviwe Mgijima followed by a solid second-innings bowling display left the Cape Cobras well-placed for a victory push against the Dolphins after three days of action in their Sunfoil Series encounter in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
Right-hander Mgijima made 107 not out (172 balls, 11 fours, 3 sixes) as the visitors were bowled out early on day three for 350 – a lead of 65 – before restricting the hosts to 260/8 in their second innings.
It meant the Dolphins were only ahead by 195 with two wickets remaining going into day four – not the best of positions especially after starting well.
The Cobras lasted only four overs as they lost their remaining three wickets quickly.
But it was sufficient time for Mgijima to reach three figures and Rabian Engelbrecht to completed career-best franchise figures of 5/77 – the second five-for of his career.
The Dolphins then continued their fightback by reaching 160/2 in their second innings thanks to Vaughn van Jaarsveld’s 57 (89 balls, 10 fours) and 45 by Morne van Wyk.
But things then went all wrong as they lost wickets in a hurry, although Robbie Frylinck was again defiant until the close with his unbeaten 34.
Tshepo Moreki (2/37), Mthiwekhaya Nabe (2/43) and debutant Junaid Dawood (2/67) nabbed two wickets apiece to leave their side favourites with a day to play.