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Titans book place in final after playing Lions to a draw

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Dean Elgar
Dean Elgar
Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

Titans openers, Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram, both hit half-centuries to briefly threaten the Lions as the two teams settled for a draw on the final day of their 4-Day Franchise Series at the Wanderers on Friday.

The in-form Markram took his aggregate for the match to 164 after hitting 64 (117 balls, 11 fours, 1 six) in the second innings - his seventh 50-plus score in 12 innings - while new Proteas Test captain Elgar struck 68 (121 balls, 12 fours).

The pair put on 125 for the opening wicket before both perished in a chase of 313, after which the two captains shook hands at the tea interval.

Earlier, the home side resumed the final morning on 247 for six, eventually declaring on 308 for nine.

Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder finished unbeaten on 56 off 86 balls (6 fours), while new Proteas call-up Lizaad Williams ended as the pick of the bowlers for the Titans with four for 74.

That left the Titans a chaseable target in well over 80 overs. Markram was eventually dismissed by Beuran Hendricks (1/45) and Bjorn Fortuin (1/12) struck again not long after with the dismissal of Elgar.

Neil Brand (9) and Heinrich Klaasen (4) were in no hurry thereafter, batting through to the early finish in Johannesburg.

Markram, who continued his staggering form this season, powered to an overall tally of 945 runs this season.

It meant both teams walked away with a shared result, with the outcome more than enough for the visitors to progress to next week's five-day final as Pool B winners.

They will play Pool A winners, the Dolphins, in the final in Durban from Thursday.

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