Adam Bacher, opening batsman of the Highveld Lions, on Sunday scored an unbeaten 121 to ensure a second consecutive win for the Lions in the Supersport series against the Eagles at Goodyear Park on Sunday.
Still needing 149 runs on the fourth and last day and with nine wickets standing, the visitors were made to work hard to win by just three wickets after resuming their second innings on 142 for one.
The Lions needed 291 to win the game after the home team on Saturday managed 330 in their second innings. The Eagles earlier scored 148 and the visitors added 40 more (188) in their first innings.
Bacher on 63 not out and Justin Ontong undefeated on 58 resumed the Lions innings on Sunday morning. It looked like an early finish as the pitch flattened throughout the match.
However, although the Lions had a day and nine wickets in hand, the Eagles had not given up.
Spin bowler Nicky Boje (4/88 in 43 overs) created some pressure when Ontong (74) and Neil McKenzie (2) walked in consecutive overs, the latter being stumped while running down the pitch.
When captain HD Ackerman was trapped in front for a pair in the match, followed by the dismissal of Andrew Hall (14), the Eagles were all fired up.
It was 222/6 at lunch with Werner Coetsee departing for four and shortly afterwards 233/7 as Charl Langeveldt (11) was run out.
Meanwhile, Bacher — who was dropped by wicket keeper Morne van Wyk on 81 — started playing a few shots. Amed Omar, the Lions’ wicketkeeper, stood in with an unbeaten 24 after scoring his maiden half-century in the first innings to help Bacher guide the team home. — Sapa