In Potchefstroom, the Lions-Titans game that had promised so much after the second day came to life in the final session as the Lions, batting for the draw, came under heavy pressure after a mini-collapse in the middle order.
The expected overnight declaration did not materialise as the Titans batted on for a further 12 overs before Daryll Cullinan declared at 394 for nine, setting the Lions an unrealistic target of 409 in about 84 overs.
The game had turned into a damp squib as it became obvious that the Lions were not going to attempt to chase the target.
Adam Bacher had cemented himself in for the draw but after batting himself to 93, and deserving 100, he edged Paul Harris to slip to start the mini-collapse.
Going into tea at 164 for three, the Lions were cruising towards a tame draw but the wickets of Bacher, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Werner Coetsee put new life into the game with the Lions on the back foot at 189 for six and more than 20 overs remaining.
HD Ackerman and Ahmed Omar nearly took the Lions to safety but a further scare, with the wickets of Omar and Garth Roe in consecutive balls to Dale Steyn, put more drama into the game.
In the end, with the Lions on 276 for eight, the light won with Ackerman, playing a captain’s innings of 81, not out and saving the game for the Lions. — Sapa