Cape Town - With four games to go in the league phase of the One-Day Cup, the battle for top spot is heating up, with the Dolphins, Warriors and Cobras all contesting the summit.
The Dolphins currently top the log with 19 points, but cannot afford a loss as the Warriors and Cobras are all within one win of overtaking the KZN-based side.
The Titans are also in with a shout, though they are further behind on 11 points and will require a good run in their last four games to stand a chance.
The Cobras are a team on the rise after their dramatic victory over the Titans on Sunday and they have been boosted by the return of international fast bowler Rory Kleinveldt.
Kleinveldt arrived in Cape Town on Sunday morning from international duty in the UAE and spent time in the nets at Newlands on Monday.
“I feel good at the moment and the ball is coming out nicely during practice, so I’m ready to go out there and play some cricket,” he said.
“It’s good to see the boys in good form, heading into the last few games, and hopefully we can go on and win all our games and get a home final for the fans in Cape Town.”
Finishing top of the log will ensure the Cobras a home final, while finishing second or third will put them in a play-off match for a place in the final.
Last season, the Cobras finished one point behind the Lions, and made it to the final at the Wanderers, eventually finishing joint champions after two rain-affected games.
The arrival of Kleinveldt could not have come a t a better time for Cobras coach Paul Adams as left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks is still out with a right-side strain.
“Beuran has increased his time spent in the nets and is bowling a bit, but we are only looking to possibly bring him in next weekend. For now, Rory will take his place in the squad while he continues his rehab,” said Adams.
Overall the 30-year old has featured in 111 List A games for South Africa, the Cobras and Hampshire, and has picked up 133 wickets, with best figures of 4/22.
Kleinveldt is handy in the lower order, being able to clear the boundary when the chase is on.
Wednesday: Lions v Cobras, Joburg
Cape Argus