Cape Town - An unbeaten century by Stiaan van Zyl put the Cape Cobras in a powerful position after the opening day of their Sunfoil Series encounter against the Highveld Lions at Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday.
The left-hander made 114 (164 balls, 17 fours) – his 24th career ton – as the hosts went to stumps on 355 for four after winning the toss and batting.
Van Zyl’s performance was the highlight of a strong display by most of the home batsmen with three others hitting half-centuries.
At the top of the order, Pieter Malan continued his prolific season by hitting 66 (125 balls, 8 fours) to take his aggregate for the season beyond the 650-run mark.
He shared in an opening stand of 109 with Simon Khomari (32), before another three-figure stand of 107 between Zubayr Hamza (54 off 90 balls, 6 fours) and Van Zyl followed.
The third player with a 50 plus score was Kyle Verreynne, who struck 64 (105 balls, 7 fours), in a partnership of 124 with the centurion, before he fell just before the close.
Nono Pongolo (2/47) and Beuran Hendricks (2/68) picked up two wickets apiece for the Lions.