Cobras looking to bounce back

The Cape Cobras will be out to atone for their lacklustre display in defeat against the Titans at Newlands on Friday when they host the Lions at Paarl today in the One-day Cup.

On Friday, in their first defeat in six matches, the Cobras were poor when they batted, scoring only 247-8. In the 50-over format sides should be aiming for scores of around 280 at least, even at the coast. On decent pitches they will struggle to defend lesser totals.

In their six-wicket victory, the Titans were propelled home by an excellent undefeated 119 from Faf du Plessis. His innings was a treat to watch, but the Cobras bowlers would have to admit they gave him too many “boundary balls” as he reaped 14 fours and a six on the way to his second century of the competition, as well as top spot in the run-scoring stakes with 351 runs from five innings.

For the Titans it was only their second win of the One-day Cup, and they will want to continue their revival when they take on the Warriors in Port Elizabeth today.

The Cobras went into Friday’s match a batsman light due to the withdrawal of captain Justin Kemp due to a finger niggle and a virus. Kemp’s replacement on the day was left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks.

But that was not the reason why the team found themselves on a disappointing 88-5 in the 14th over, after opting to bat first. Admittedly it was the first serious blip in the campaign, but given their superb start (unbeaten in five games), they need to get back on track and try to sew up a top-three spot as early as possible.

Today in Paarl the Cobras, still log-leaders, face bottom team the Lions, who are winless after five games.

The teams’ first-round meeting at the Wanderers delivered some record-breaking scoring feats from the Western Cape side, notably Richard Levi’s 53-ball century. And although Paarl is unlikely to see anything like the 379-7 the Cobras scored on that occasion, the pitch for a match against the Knights there last Wednesday did not seem to have the low and slow bounce expected.

The additional carrot for the Cobras players is a spot in the team from next week when their five Proteas players – Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn – complete their Test duties against Australia. It remains to be seen which of the quintet are to be rested for fear of over-work – Kallis is likely to be one – and team selection will be tough, with Herschelle Gibbs also expected back from injury.

Today (10am):

Cape Cobras v Lions (Paarl)

Warriors v Titans (Port Elizabeth)

Standings (before today’s matches):

1 Cape Cobras (18 points from six matches), 2 Warriors (16 from six), 3 Dolphins (14 from six), 4 Knights (13 from six), 5 Titans (nine from five), 6 Lions (two from five). - Weekend Argus