Defending champions Titans were the architects of their misery, putting the home team into bat at Kingsmead in Durban, and failing to stem a run tide that reached 548-6 declared.

Titans were all out for 167 early Saturday and, forced to follow on, fared even worse during a second spell at the crease as they managed a meagre 134 with only Roelef van der Merwe (54) posting a significant score.

Kyle Abbott was Dolphins' bowling star with 5-40 off 13 overs, including three maidens, and Calvin Savage took 3-40 to leave Titans bottom of the table and winless after four outings.

Knights are another team regretting the call they made after winning the toss as they put Highveld Lions into bat and trail by 356 runs going into the final day at Senwes Park in north-western university town Potchefstroom.

Lions made 348 and 313-8 declared with Knights 293 and 13-0 in reply after a third day in which Lions number three Themba Bavuma stole the show with a knock of 132 off 193 balls that included 20 fours.