Records tumble in Cobras-Lions clash
It was a day of records in Paarl as JP Duminy and Dane Vilas both recorded career-best double centuries during the Cape Cobras’ 570 for four declared in their Sunfoil Series encounter against the bizhub Highveld Lions on Friday.
The pair shared in an unbroken 393-run partnership, the best fifth-wicket stand ever recorded on South African soil, surpassing the 385 put on by Steve Waugh and Greg Blewett for Australia against the Proteas back in 1997. Their stand lasted 513 balls and came in 371 minutes.
Duminy, dropped for the second Sunfoil Test against England in Cape Town last week, reminded the national selectors of his ability by batting for nine-and-a-half hours in amassing a career-best 260 not out from 409 balls, which included 23 fours and two sixes. His knock was also the third-highest individual score in the franchise era and best ever total for a Cobras player.
Vilas scored a more attacking 216 from 250 balls, which included three sixes and 20 boundaries, surpassing his previous best 203 for the Lions against the Titans back in the 2008/09 season.
The most runs Duminy had previously scored over the years was 200 not out against the Dolphins back in 2010/11.
There could yet be further records as the visitors ended the day on 126 for none. Captain Stephen Cook continued his rich run of form with an unbeaten 66, with Rassie van der Dussen keeping him company on 55.
The Lions trail by 444 at the halfway stage of the game. - ANA