Highveld Lions take honours on opening day of South African Cricket Series

Highveld Lions team members pictured after a match on September 21, 2010 © AFP

Johannesburg: Dec 21, 2012

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Highveld Lions opener Stephen Cook hit 95 to take first-day honours on Thursday when the South African Cricket Series resumed after a two-month break.

Cook struck 11 fours off 167 balls in a 246-minute stand at the Wanderers in Johannesburg as the Lions closed on 275-7 against the Warriors. Thami Tsolekile (64 not out) and Neil McKenzie (50) were other notable run contributors.

After the Lions lost two wickets with just 39 runs on the scoreboard, Cook and McKenzie formed a 118-run third-wicket partnership before seamer Aya Gqamane trapped the latter leg before.

Gqamane, the 23-year-old product of an academy run by former national team bowler Mfuneko Ngam, later claimed the wicket of Cook through a full-length delivery.

Table toppers Cape Cobras were well placed against the Titans at Newlands in Cape Town, scoring 132 without loss after bowling the visitors out for 192 with Justin Kemp capturing five wickets.

Calvin Savage top scored with 55 as the Dolphins made 221 away to the Knights in Bloemfontein and the home side were struggling at 54-2 by the close following the departure of opener Michael Erlank for a duck.