Rudolph hits ton as Titans take charge

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Former South Africa batsman Jacques Rudolph led the way with 118 as Northern Titans built a 97-run lead over Coastal Dolphins Friday in a SuperSport Series second round match.

After bowling out the home team for 243 at the picturesque City Oval in KwaZulu-Natal capital Pietermaritzburg, the Titans were 340-9 by the close of play on the second day with Heino Kuhn (75 not out) and Farhaan Behardien (74) also making valuable contributions.

Rudolph faced 191 balls in 256 minutes at the crease and struck 18 fours before being caught by Dolphins captain Imran Khan off the bowling of Robbie Frylinck with the Titans 203-3 after 60.3 overs.

Dolphins bowlers Dane Paterson and Kyle Maharaj captured three wickets each but they came at a high cost and the Titans look set to draw at worst having lost their opening match last weekend at home against the Central Knights.

The Knights are having less success against the Highveld Lions in diamond city Kimberley and trail by 294 runs with five first-innings wickets remaining having closed at 161-5 in reply to 455-9 declared by the Johannesburg visitors.

Lions opener Stephen Cook could not add to his overnight 131 before being caught, leaving Dale Deeb to take the second-day batting honours through an unbeaten 101 laced with 16 fours while Obus Pienaar compiled 51 not out for the Knights.