Starting the final day on 118/3, and still trailing by 172 runs at the Wanderers, the Titans faced a massive challenge to avoid defeat. But thanks to determined batting displays, they managed to bat through the day, eventually being bowled out for 371 – right on the final ball of play.

That gave them a lead of 81, but with the light fading quickly, the umpires brought the game to an end, confirming a shared title between the cross-Jukskei rivals. There’s no doubt the Titans would have been the more satisfied side at stumps.

Lhuan-dré Pretorius. Photo: Titans

Having lost four sessions to weather earlier in the match, the visitors entered the final day with their backs against the wall. But they showed real fight to turn the match on its head.

Pretorius, usually known for his aggressive batting, anchored the innings with a composed knock of 114 off 209 balls, including 13 boundaries. Resuming on six not out, the young left-hander first added 75 for the fourth wicket with Petersen, who in turn scored 75 off 169, which included 8 fours, helping steady the innings.

That partnership took the score to 180 before Pretorius and Moonsamy combined for a vital 140-run stand for the fifth wicket – a period of play that went a long way toward saving the game.

Rivaldo Moonsamy. Photo: CSA

By the time Pretorius fell, and he had notched up his third career first-class century, the match had moved into its final session.

There was a brief glimmer of hope for the Lions when Andile Phehlukwayo fell for a duck in the same over, with Bjorn Fortuin striking twice to finish with 5/123 in a marathon 48-over spell.

But Moonsamy carried on the resistance deep into the evening, and although he eventually fell late in the day, the Titans had done enough. With both time and light running out, the match was drawn – meaning the trophy was shared for the 2024/25 season.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg