Share

Amla, Mgijima help Cobras earn draw with Knights

Cape Town - A maiden first-class century by Aviwe Mgijima helped ensure there were no final day jitters by the Cape Cobras as they held out for a draw in their opening Sunfoil Series fixture against the champion Knights in Bloemfontein on Friday.

In what has been a high-scoring fixture at the Mangaung Oval, Proteas batsman Hashim Amla fell 11 runs shy of a double century with the visitors batting out the final day to reach 567 for six by the close.

It completed a good fightback after the Cape side made a miserable start to 2017/18 by collapsing to 159 all out in their first innings and then watching as the home side piled on the second highest total in franchise history.

The champions posted 623 for four declared - with a record four centurions in Theunis de Bruyn (195), Keegan Petersen (141), Werner Coetsee (105 not out) and Rudi Second (101 not out).

The Cobras started the final day on 304 for three and still trailing by 160, but Amla and Mgijima ensured the game was saved.

Justin Ontong was out early for 128 (193 balls, 16 fours 2 sixes), before the pair put on a fixture record 165 for the fifth wicket.

Amla, who was on 121 overnight, eventually fell for 189 (344 balls, 22 fours, 3 sixes), with Mgijima going on to make 112 (184 balls, 13 fours, 1 six) - easily beating his previous best score of 74 - as the Cobras held on.

Shadley van Schalkwyk (3/95) and Eddie Leie (3/152) ended with three wickets each.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE