Cobras, Lions settle for high-scoring draw

Cape Town - Nicky van den Bergh and Zubayr Hamza hit final-day half-centuries as the Sunfoil Series clash between the Cape Cobras and Highveld Lions ended in a draw at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday.

The visitors were eventually bowled out for 562 in reply to the 574 for eight declared by the hosts.

Wiaan Mulder then took four wickets to leave the Cobras on 117 for four when the two captains shook hands.

The men from Gauteng had started out the day on 465 for four, and managed just under 100 for the final six wickets.

Van den Bergh was their highest scorer on the day after hitting 60 (190 balls, 6 fours) as Simon Khomari ended as the pick of the bowlers with two for 66 - the away side eventually dismissed in 178.3 overs and trailing by 12.

An excellent burst by Mulder, who claimed four for 25, threatened a late twist after the Cobras were reduced to 55 for four.

But Hamza hit 54 (67 balls, 10 fours) and shared in an unbroken 62-run stand with Aviwe Mgijima (20) to take the hosts to safety and a seventh draw of the season.