SuperSport Series, Round Six, 4th day

Amla thrashes ton to bury Cobras

Cricinfo staff

February 26, 2006

Hashim Amla struck a majestic 153 as the Dolphins chased down 279 against the Cape Cobras to complete an emphatic six-wicket win. Thami Tsolekile threw down the gauntlet to the Dolphins with a challenging declaration following Alan Dawson's enterprising, unbeaten 60. When Charl Willoughby claimed Doug Watson first ball - his fourth wicket in four balls following the first-innings hat-trick - the Cobras were on top. Willoughby became the fifth bowler to perform the feat in a South African first-class match having removed Saidi Mhlongo, Rivash Gobind and Nantie Hayward in the first innings. However, any boost from his heroics quickly vanished as Amla thrashed the ball to all parts, reaching his ton from 105 balls. Rivash Gobind provided solid support with 53, his second important contribution of the match, as Amla carried on past 150. Lance Klusener added the final touch with a 20-ball 30, which included two sixes. The Dolphins now sneak ahead of the Lions onto the top of the table.

The Warriors produced a strong enough second innings to fight out for a draw against the Lions. Burton de Wett was the mainstay of the display with 109 from 267 balls and his main support came from Steven Pope, who followed his first innings century with 45, and Mark Bruyns, who made 38 in a second-wicket stand of 99. The Lions lost three top-order wickets in the time remaining but they were never in danger of being bowled out.

Some enterprising captaincy almost created a result between the Eagles and the Titans at Bloemfontein. After the third day had been washed out the match appeared to heading for draw. The Eagles extended their first innings to 280, with Paul Harris finishing with 6 for 79. before Martin van Jaarsveld stroked an unbeaten 70. The Titans were set a target of 176 in 25 overs - certainly chaseable in the days of Twenty20. Davey Jacobs and Jacques Rudolph gave it a shot, but Harris claimed three more wickets and the Eagles were left to block out the final two overs to ensure a draw.

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Stories

3rd day round-up

2nd day round-up

1st day round-up

Players/Umpires

Hashim Amla

Burton de Wett

Paul Harris

Series/Tournaments

SuperSport Series

South Africa Domestic Season

Teams

Cape Cobras

Dolphins

Eagles

Lions

South Africa

Titans

Warriors