The Hollywoodbets Dolphins ran a close race but just missed the mark against the Titans in PMB this past weekend.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins suffered their second loss in just three days, falling to the Multiply Titans in a gripping Momentum One Day Cup match held at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on Sunday.
The Dolphins elected to bowl first, sending the Titans into bat. The visitors got off to a confident start as their openers, Heino Kuhn and Tony de Zorzi, compiled a valuable 79-run partnership before de Zorzi was caught by Mthokozisi Shezi, off Imran Tahir’s bowling.
The Titans were cruising at 88 for 3 in the 22nd over, but then struggled to 127 for 5. It was then that Farhaan Behardien dazzled with a brilliant innings, steering the Titans out of trouble and pushing them close to their final total of 242 runs.
Behardien smashed 88 runs from 80 balls including three fours and three towering sixes. He got out towards the end as he tried to nudge the total nearer to the 250 mark.
The bowling honours for the Dolphins were well distributed: Mthokozisi Shezi snagged two wickets, Imran Tahir claimed two, and Calvin Savage, Sibz Makhanya, and Prenelan Subrayen took one wicket each.
Chasing 243, the Dolphins started positively with Morné van Wyk quickly scoring 17 runs before being caught at third man. Sarel Erwee provided solidity at the crease, crafting a composed half-century, eventually falling for 76 off 101 balls.
Despite contributions throughout the batting lineup, the Dolphins couldn’t establish a decisive partnership, losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 213 in the 48th over.
Dane Vilas (23), Prenelan Subrayen (21), and an under-the-weather captain Khaya Zondo’s 36 runs threatened a comeback, but a late wicket fall spree dashed their hopes of a win.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will head back to Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Wednesday, 24 January, ready to take on the bizhub Highveld Lions.
