KES Old Boy, Neil McKenzie (Class of 1994) & Rookie Bavuma struck centuries to put the bizhub Highveld Lions in control after the first day of their SuperSport Series match against the Sunfoil Dolphins at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.

Rookie Bavuma made a free-flowing 121 from 160 balls, his third century of the season, while veteran McKenzie struck a patient 108 from 214 with the visitors ending the day on 303 for six. The two put on 228 together for the fourth wicket, which was the highest for the season by any team surpassing the 144 for the Chevrolet Warriors between Colin Ingram and Arno Jacobs against the Chevrolet Knights.

That partnership helped them recover from the loss of three early wickets, two of which came from seamer Mthokozisi Shezi (2-51), and Kyle Abbott picked up the three key wickets at the end of the day for figures of four for 61. The day began with the men from Johannesburg, who came into the game fresh of a draw against the Knights in the last game, winning the toss and choosing to bat first under slightly overcast conditions in the east coast. The 200 came up in the 70th over followed by the 150 partnership in 229 balls with Bavuma, who has a top score of 147 this season, reaching his century in 142 balls. The same stroke also brought up the 200 partnership with McKenzie then moving to his 44th first-class century from 198 balls when he pulled Abbott away to the square leg fence for four. But the bowler soon had his revenge when the new ball was taken and McKenzie was caught on the crease leg before wicket. Congrats Neil!

(Info courtesy of Super Sport)