Malan, Bedingham hit tons as Cobras strengthen grip

Centuries by Janneman Malan and David Bedingham led a fine all-round batting display by the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras as they strengthened their grip on the bizhub Highveld Lions after the second day of their 4-Day Domestic Series clash in Johannesburg on Tuesday. There were also half-centuries for three others in an utterly dominant showing by the visitors. They amassed 529 all out – a colossal lead of 425 – with the host then replying by reaching 11 for none when bad light ended play around an hour early. It left the Cobras in a powerful position at the halfway stage of the game. The Cape side had started the morning on 204 for two at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium with Malan and Bedingham extending their third-wicket partnership from 107 overnight to 178. That was when the latter fell for 102 (153 balls, 13 fours, 3 sixes), having completed his maiden franchise ton and fifth overall in only his second franchise game. Malan, also in his second game at this level, went on to record his eight-career ton and first in four-day cricket as he made 137 (249 balls, 16 fours, 1 six). Both fell either side of 300, with Kyle Verreynne and Jason Smith adding 96 for the sixth wicket after they hit 65s off 73 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes) and 100 balls (7 fours) respectively. Then came the third half-century of the innings by captain Dane Piedt, who blasted 57 off 68 balls (10 fours) that ensured the Cobras’ innings ended with a flourish. Left-armer Beuran Hendricks was the best of the bowlers with five for 101 – his 16th career five-wicket haul. The Lions then batted five overs and reached 11 without loss, before play ended 18 overs early with the home side trailing by 414.