Hendricks, Philander make it even day
by Thahir Asmal 02 February 2012, 17:42
Reeza Hendricks scored his first century of the season as the Chevrolet Knights ended the first day of their SuperSport Series match against the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras on 248 for five at Sahara Park Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday.
The Knights opener, who had already recorded four half-centuries during the current campaign, made 124 off 245 balls and was the anchor for the visitors for almost the entire day.
He shared in one major partnership of 178 with Rilee Rossouw, still there on a rather patient 88 off 228.
However, they lost some of their initiative towards the close when the new ball contributed to the loss of four key wickets via the seam and guile of Vernon Philander.
The fast bowler ended with four for 42, with the new ball restricting the men from Bloemfontein to just 32 runs in 16 overs after it was taken, all to the bowling of the Proteas' find of the season.
Both teams entered the game with plenty at stake in the run-in to the four-day season as they attempted to hunt down the log-leading Nashua Titans.
Having won the toss and decided to bat first, the visitors looked comfortable at the start with their openers easily negotiating the new ball.
But the introduction of spin spelt trouble for Michael Erlank, and after playing out a maiden to JP Duminy, the opener tried to sweep one and was trapped leg before wicket for 20.
That ended a decent 42-run opening standing, with the visitors then crossing 50 in the 23rd over.
By lunch, Rossouw and Hendricks had put on 29 together to leave their side comfortably placed on 71 for one.
No wickets fell in the afternoon session as the two batsmen dominated during at a time when their stand was extended to 137.
The two took their partnership past 50, followed by Hendricks getting to his half-century in 135 balls.
The stand continued to flourish after the Knights passed 100 in the 48th over as the pair brought up three figures together in 209 balls.
Rossouw went to his half-century in 118 deliveries shortly before tea with the Knights strongly-placed on 179 for one.
Hendricks, unbeaten on 98 at the break, quickly went to his seventh career 100 from 206 balls, with the 200 coming up in the 71st over.
But Philander then struck to wrestle some of the advantage back to the defending champions.
He first drew a fine edge from Hendricks that was gathered comfortably by Mark Boucher and four overs later bowled Boeta Dippenaar (two).
Morne van Wyk (one) and Werner Coetsee (two) were also bowled by an inspired Philander with the visitors eventually limping to stumps on 248 for 5.
TEAMS:
Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras – Andrew Puttick, Stiaan van Zyl, Justin Ontong, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Justin Kemp (capt), Dane Vilas (wk), Vernon Philander, Johann Louw, Johannes Bothma, Siya Simetu.
Chevrolet Knights – Reeza Hendricks, Michael Erlank, Rilee Rossouw, Boeta Dippenaar, Morne van Wyk (capt, wk) , Werner Coetsee, Ryan McLaren, Aubrey Swanepoel, Johan van der Wath, Quinton Friend, Malusi Siboto.