A record-breaking 301-run seventh-wicket partnership between Bjorn Fortuin and Delano Potgieter helped the title-chasing Highveld Lions recover from a woeful start to reach stumps in a powerful position after day one of their match against the Warriors in Potchefstroom. The hosts closed day one at Senwes Park on a superb 409 for eight after losing the toss and being asked to bat. In what was a sensational recovery, both players hit career-best centuries to help their side recover from a dire 96 for six. Fortuin was unbeaten at stumps on 157 (206 balls, 30x4), his third career century and one that beat his previous best franchise score of 116 scored against the Titans in 2015-16. Potgieter, meanwhile, blasted 145 off 176 balls (21x4, 3x6), the highest score of his career overall in just his 12th game playing first-class cricket. He eventually fell within half-an-hour of the close, but with his side in a powerful position in their bid to chase down the log-leading Cape Cobras. The Cobras began the final round of games just over three points ahead on the table. It was a completely different picture earlier on in the day, though, as Glenton Stuurman (4-87) ran riot with four wickets to leave the Lions in a fix. Kagiso Rapulana (34), Temba Bavuma (22) and Stephen Cook (21) all got starts, but were out inside the first session. However, the Fortuin-Potgieter partnership completely transformed the game as they smashed the previous seventh-wicket record of 214 held by Morne van Wyk and Ryan McLaren for the Knights in 2011-12. Sisanda Magala (3-101) claimed two wickets in two balls at the death, but the Lions still completed the day well ahead of the game. Lions 409-8 (BC Fortuin 157 not out, D Potgieter 145, K Rapulana 34, T Bavuma 22, SC Cook 21; GA Stuurman 4-87, SSB Magala 3-101, S Langa 1-62) Warriors Still to bat Warriors won the toss and elected to field Footage: Cricket South Africa
Proteas coach Ottis Gibson addresses the media after the Proteas returned home from a disastrous 2019 World Cup campaign.
Proteas fans remain optimistic ahead of the match against New Zealand.
Anitha Madikizela chats to Dolphins paceman Daryn Dupavillon ahead of the One-Day Cup final for the Dolphins against the Titans at Centurion on 31 March 2019. Dupavillon had been recalled to the Dolphins side that beat the Warriors by seven wickets with 185 balls remaining in the semi-final of the One-Day Cup match at Durban.
Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje talks to the media after his haul of 3-57 in the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka at George's Park on Wednesday. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis chats to the press after South Africa's comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka at Durban on Sunday which secured a 3-0 series victory for the Proteas with two matches in hand. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Aiden Markram speaks to the media after his innings of 60 for South Africa in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Proteas paceman Duanne Olivier speaks to the media after returning figures of 4-3-3-1 on day three of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Dale Steyn talks to the media after a superb bowling display on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Footage: Cricket South Africa