Share

Ontong double ton keeps Cobras in contention

Paarl - A maiden career double-century from Justin Ontong ensured the Cape Cobras dominated the third day of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Dolphins at Boland Park in Paarl on Saturday.

The veteran right-hander batted for over seven-and-a-half hours to hit a marathon 225 (332 balls, 24 fours), the highest individual score for either team in the fixture, and take his team to 447 all out.

It was a vital innings in the context of the match, and possibly in the context of the Cobras’ season, which to date has been a miserable one after three losses in four games, as it all but ensured they were on course to avoid another defeat following a morale-boosting day.

Ontong, standing in as captain for the suspended Omphile Ramela, shared in a record 202-run fifth stand with Keegan Petersen (86 off 183 balls, 12 fours) after the struggling Cape side had slumped to 22/4 on day two in reply to the 478 set by the Dolphins.

Another record followed from the skipper for the eighth wicket when he added 144 with Dane Piedt, who made 61 (110 balls, 5 fours).

Robbie Frylinck (3/68) was the pick of the bowlers for the Dolphins and they then reached the close on 21/1, a lead of 52.

    
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!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 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