PIETER Strydom’s hard hitting century led Border to a respectable total of 324 for six wickets at the close of play on the first day of their SuperSport Series match against Griqualand West at Buffalo Park on Thursday.
Strydom’s innings was split into two distinctive halves with the first 50 being a quietly composed affair from 117 deliveries while the second 50 was blasted from just 44 balls. He struck 15 boundaries before edging Wayne Kidwell to wicket keeper Wendell Bossenger.
In stark contrast Steven Pope showed no interest in acceleration and batted for over five and a half hours, facing 247 balls for his obstinate 77 that contained, surprisingly, 10 fours. A half-century from Wayne Wiblin (56) was the highlight of a sluggish morning session although opener Piet Botha’s 47, belted from just 55 balls, provided some light relief at the opposite end to Pope.
Pope, happily, was one of four victims for West Indian fast bowler Otis Gibson who had hard-won figures of four for 101 from 27 overs at the close.