The Hollywoodbets Dolphins faced a heartbreaking one-run loss to the Warriors in an electrifying match at St George’s Park during the 2017 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge.
On a day packed with thrilling cricket action in Port Elizabeth, the earlier clash saw the Multiply Titans edge out the VKB Knights. Later, the home fans were treated to a pulse-racing encounter between the Dolphins and the Warriors.
Highlighting the Dolphins’ effort was all-rounder Rob Frylinck’s spectacular hat-trick in the penultimate over, where he dismissed Christiaan Jonker, Sisanda Magala, and Andrew Birch back-to-back. This explosive spell helped keep the Warriors to a modest total of 153/8 in their 20 overs.
Among the Dolphins’ bowlers, experienced pacers Mthokozisi Shezi and Frylinck impressed the most, claiming three wickets apiece with figures of 3/24 and 3/23 respectively.
The Dolphins’ chase started under pressure as the Warriors’ bowlers managed to stifle their rhythm, leaving them at a precarious 35/4 just one ball into the seventh over.
With early wickets falling, Sarel Erwee (8), Vaughn van Jaarsveld (0), Dane Vilas (3), and captain Khaya Zondo (1) all back in the pavilion, Morné van Wyk and Sibs Makhanya stepped up to steady the innings, putting together a valuable 60-run partnership before Makhanya was dismissed for 33.
Van Wyk then saw off Andile Phehlukwayo and scored yet another T20 half-century, ending on 57 before being run out in a crucial moment.
In an intense finish, Frylinck and Keshav Maharaj gave it their all to clinch victory. Needing nine runs from the last two balls of the final over, the penultimate delivery yielded only a single, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. Maharaj smashed a towering six off the final ball, but the Warriors held on to win by a slim one-run margin.
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