The Hollywoodbets Dolphins crushed the WSB Cape Cobras by a solid 49 runs at PPC Newlands this Wednesday, clinching their spot in the Momentum One Day Cup final at the iconic Sahara Stadium Kingsmead this Friday, where they’ll face off against the Warriors.
The Dolphins showcased an outstanding bowling attack after setting the Cobras a moderate target of 231 runs, leaving the Cape Town side struggling to build crucial partnerships in their chase.
Batting first under the evening lights, Dolphins’ opening duo MornĂ© van Wyk and Sarel Erwee laid a fantastic foundation with a formidable 126-run opening stand. Van Wyk contributed a strong 62 from 72 balls before falling to a sharp delivery from George Linde.
However, the Dolphins’ innings took a hit as the middle order faltered. Vaughn van Jaarsveld was run out for 7, followed quickly by Dane Vilas, who was dismissed without scoring.
The pressure mounted as Sibz Makhanya was caught spectacularly by Aviwe Mgijima for 8, leaving the Dolphins at 148 for 4 in the 30th over, having lost four wickets for just 22 runs.
Erwee found support in Senuran Muthusamy, and the pair added 43 runs before Muthusamy was caught at deep square-leg after scoring 20.
Erwee continued to anchor the innings impressively until he was caught by keeper Kyle Verreynne off a Mthiwekhaya Nabe delivery for a commendable 93 from 135 balls. With the Dolphins at 214 for 7, Rob Frylinck’s quickfire 14 runs helped push the total to 230 all out.
The Dolphins’ bowling attack was clinical, with Mthokozisi Shezi and Frylinck applying pressure with the new ball, reducing the Cobras to 21 for 3 after just nine overs.
Frylinck claimed the key wicket of form batter Pieter Malan for 4, while Shezi dismissed Simon Khomari for 2. Verreynne was then run out for 6 as Zubayr Hamza and Vernon Philander tried to steady the innings.
Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen made a significant impact by taking the wickets of both Philander and Hamza in the same over, leaving the Cobras reeling at 57 for 5 after 18 overs, still needing 174 runs to claim victory.
Dane Piedt (57) and George Linde (19) then provided some hope, partnering with Dane Paterson to inch the Cobras closer, but with 60 runs still needed with only one wicket in hand, the Dolphins were in control.
When Dane dismissed Paterson for 29, the Cobras were all out for 181 in the 47th over, sealing a comprehensive win for the Dolphins.
The spin duo of Subrayen and Muthusamy shared four wickets, while Shezi also chipped in with two wickets. Rob Frylinck was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 21 in nine overs.
Don’t miss the electrifying Momentum One Day Cup final as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins host the Warriors at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead this Friday at 13:30. Grab your tickets now at ticketpro.co.za and experience the cricket action live!
For more details, visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za.