Johannesburg – Temba Bavuma registered his first domestic four-day series century of the season, but it was not enough as the Cape Cobras secured a 47-run victory over the Highveld Lions at Newlands on Saturday, to rise to the top of the standings.
Bavuma twice fell within sight of a century during the first four matches of the competition, but made no mistake this time by stroking a fluent 112.
It would prove too little, too late for the visitors, as the wickets tumbled around him. Bavuma was the last man out as the Lions were dismissed for 190 in pursuit of 238 for victory.
Although Bavuma and Stephen Cook (42) negotiated a tricky first 45 minutes after the Lions resumed on 62 for three, Cook's dismissal by Dane Paterson sparked a collapse.
The Lions fell from 97 for three, to 135 for eight as no other batsman made it into double figures, leaving Bavuma to fight it out with the tail.
After adding 31 for the ninth wicket with Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Bavuma fought on for another nine overs with Pumelela Matshikwe to bring the target within 50 runs.
However, Paterson had the final say when he had Bavuma caught by Andrew Puttick to grab figures of 4 for 61 and secure the points for the Cobras. – Sapa