Centuries from Jordan Hermann and JP King helped the EP Warriors finish day one of the 4-Day Series final on an even keel with the Central Gauteng Lions.
After being sent in to bat at the Wanderers, the Warriors were anchored by Hermann and King, who provided the foundation for the visitors’ first-innings total.
Hermann scored 110 off 133 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries as he guided the side through the opening sessions and established early momentum. His dismissal at 179-2 initiated a period in which the Lions claimed wickets at regular intervals.
The visitors had a fairly strong start with an opening stand of 68 between Hermann and Modiri Liteko (16).
A 111-run stand between the two centurions took the Warriors to 189-2 where they would have felt confident.
The hosts then roared back into the game as they took six wickets for the addition of just 50 runs.
Ayanda Mnyanda, who made one off 25 balls, and Wesley Bedja (16*) helped King get them to the close of play.
King remained unbeaten at the close on 113 from 214 balls. His innings provided stability during the middle and latter stages of the day as the Lions’ bowlers applied sustained pressure.
The Lions’ bowling effort was led by Delano Potgieter, who returned figures of 3-34 from 12 overs. Wiaan Mulder delivered an economical spell, taking 2-36 in 19 overs, while Codi Yusuf, Beyers Swanepoel and Bjorn Fortuin each claimed one wicket.
The centuries from Hermann and King were highlighted by the fact that between the other eight batsmen to bat on day one, they managed 42 runs.
The Lions will look to clean up the tail early on day two, while the Warriors will want to push past 300.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
