On a challenging first day of their Sunfoil Series clash against the WSB Cape Cobras at the Pietermaritzburg Oval, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins showed great grit by fighting for every one of their 282 runs.
The day’s play was cut short with the light taking over, leaving 28 of the 96 overs unplayed as the players headed off the field.
The Dolphins had a tough start, losing Morné van Wyk early when he was bowled by Mthiwekhaya Nabe for a duck, putting the team on 12/1 in just the second over.
A much-needed partnership soon blossomed between opener Sarel Erwee and Vaughn van Jaarsveld, with both finding the boundary regularly and pushing the total beyond 50. Erwee’s fluent innings ended at 20 when he was caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off bowler Tsepo Moreki.
Van Jaarsveld continued to impress with a stylish knock, playing with ease to all corners of the ground, looking set for a long innings.
However, the Dolphins’ innings took a setback with the loss of captain Khaya Zondo for 4, followed shortly by Van Jaarsveld’s dismissal for 44, nicking a delivery from Dane Piedt to Verreynne.
This left the Dolphins struggling at 75/4 with all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Vilas at the crease.
The experienced middle order then steadied the ship. Both batsmen started with a patient approach, rebuilding the innings after a tough start batting first after winning the toss.
Muthusamy showcased his importance with a disciplined 34 before being caught by veteran Andrew Puttick off Moreki after lunch.
At 151/5, Vilas carried on positively to reach another half-century before falling to Dane Paterson for 70 off 76 balls at 189.
Sibz Makhanya was then dismissed LBW for 12 by a brilliant yorker from Paterson, followed by Prenelan Subrayen who was also out LBW to Piedt for 2 at 207/8.
Rob Frylinck found a willing partner in the returning Rabian Engelbrecht as they pushed the score to 268/8 at tea.
Engelbrecht fell early after the break for 20, and with the ninth wicket down, Kerwin Mungroo supported Frylinck until bad light forced umpires to stop the play.
The Dolphins finished the day on 282/9 and will resume their innings on day two.
For more details, visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za.
