Sport

Gibbs, Levi strike for Cobras

February 06, 2010 Edition 1

The sterling batting efforts of Herschelle Gibbs (53) and Richard Levi (43 not out) paved the way for the Cobras' 42-run victory over the visiting Highveld Lions in the Standard Bank Pro20 Series day/night clash at Newlands, Cape Town, last night.

The Lions, who won the toss and chose to field, scored 137 all out after 19 overs in reply to the Cobras' 179 all out after 20 overs.

At the start of the Lions' run chase, the miserly Charl Langeveldt immediately imposed himself on the top-order but once he gave way, Rory Kleinveldt and change bowler Vernon Philander failed to keep the batters in check.

Vaughn van Jaarsveld, who entered the fray at the fall of the first wicket, kept the Lions in the picture with some lusty blows but the introduction of spinner Justin Ontong put paid to his threatening partnership with Neil McKenzie in the 11th over.

In the space of five balls Ontong removed both Van Jaarsveld (39) and McKenzie (27) which left the visitors' innings tottering at 84/3.

Ontong came in for some stick in his next over but his spin partner, Robin Peterson, came to the rescue with two sticks in quick succession.

The rest of the Lions' batting order did not have much to offer and the writing was on the wall for them as the runs dried up towards the close of the Lions' innings.

Langeveldt came back at the death and bagged two wickets in the space of three balls to finish with 3/18. Ontong also picked up three wickets although his were a tad more expensive at 3/27. - Sapa