Cape Town - Unbeaten half-centuries by Mangaliso Mosehle and Dominic Hendricks left the Highveld Lions on top after three days of their Sunfoil Series derby at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Saturday.
The pair had shared an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership worth 126 that helped their side close on 223/5 having earlier dismissed their hosts for 231 – a 319-run lead.
There were two stand-out performers with the ball for the visitors as Aya Myoli took 4/60 and Bjorn Fortuin claimed 4/56, handing their side a 96-run lead at the change of innings. It was an impressive return from the rookie pair, who have only played 12 franchise games between them.
Proteas allrounder Chris Morris, returning to competitive action for the first time since a knee injury in the middle of last year, top-scored for the defending champions with 39 after they had resumed overnight on 146/4.
Heinrich Klaasen managed 30, with another national star Farhaan Behardien managing 22.
Morris then made some early inroads with his 3/20 helping reduce the Lions to 97/5, before the key stand.
Mosehle was the aggressor with his 76 coming from just 96 balls (9 fours, 1 six), while Hendricks batted more patiently for his 67 from 168 deliveries (5 fours, 1 six).
That ensured the Lions were well placed for an early declaration on the final day as they look to press ahead for victory against the log leaders in the Jukskei derby.