The CSA 4-Day Franchise Series returns for Round Three of the 2020/21 season on Monday, and here are the fixtures taking that are taking place over the next four days.
Dolphins vs Cobras at Kingsmead
Durban hosts the mouth-watering clash between the Dolphins and the Cobras, who have both struggled for consistency in the early rounds.
The hosts were victorious in their opening match, overcoming defending champions, the Lions before they too fell on the wrong side of a defeat.
The men from KwaZulu-Natal suffered a heavy thrashing at the hands of the in-form Knights, who ran off winners, courtesy of a comfortable 227-run victory in Mangaung.
Now back at Kingsmead, they will be looking to get back to winning ways against a side still in search of a first victory.
The Cobras began their campaign with defeat against the Titans at Newlands, and were part of the only drawn match in the competition so far, with only three innings possible over four days when they met the Lions at The Wanderers.
They will, however, be encouraged by their best batting performance in the competition, as they reached 300 for the first time with wickets to spare before play was called off in Johannesburg.
The match is expected to start at 10:00 (SAST).
Titans vs Knights at Supersport Park
The pick of the third round’s action is arguably the clash between the Titans and the Knights at Supersport Park in Centurion.
Neither side has tasted defeat, with the Knights winning in Cape Town and in Port Elizabeth, while the Knights have been dominant in their two fixtures, both played at home.
The men from the Free State are away from their home turf for the first time in the competition, while the opposite rings true for their opponents.
With rain aplenty over the weekend in Gauteng, the free-scoring Knights can expect a different challenge against the Titans, who have a formidable pace attack at their disposal despite not being able to field a few of their stars due to national call-ups.
With Junior Dala and Lungi Ngidi both in the Proteas camp, the likes of Okuhle Cele and the impressive Lizaad Williams are expected to hold the fort, but have a challenge in their hands with Jacques Snyman, Raynard van Tonder and ex-Titans skipper Farhaan Behardien displaying ominous form in the opening rounds.
Play starts at 10:30 (SAST).
Warriors vs Lions at St George’s Park
Port Elizabeth hosts the battle between the winless Warriors and the Lions, who are also yet to taste.
The hosts are at the bottom of the standings after losing both their opening matches.
They suffered a 179-run defeat away to the Knights, and playing in their own backyard did not help much in their second fixture, where the Titans eased to a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
The defending champions, on the other hand, will be encouraged by how they fared in their last outing, despite not managing to win the encounter.
The Lions bowled the Cobras out for 115, before putting on a decent batting display in their own innings.
They will be looking for a more complete performance in the Windy City on Monday.
