Erwee maiden century helps Dolphins slay Cobras

SAREL Erwee’s maiden century was the cornerstone of a record-breaking performance from the Dolphins as they beat the Cape Cobras by 15 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method in their Ram Slam T20 Challenge opener in Centurion yesterday.

The opener blasted 103 (58 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes) as the men from KwaZulu-Natal amassed a competition record total of 231/2 after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.

The previous best total in domestic 20-over cricket was the 230/5 scored by the Titans against the Highveld Lions last year. Dolphins captain Khaya Zondo also played his hand with a 67 not out (34 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes), with the pair putting on a fixture record of 136 unbroken for the third wicket. Dane Vilas chipped in with 32, while Morne van Wyk made 19 as the Cobras’ attack, which included Vernon Philander and Dane Paterson, was put to the sword.

Robbie Frylinck (1/14) and Keshav Maharaj (1/23) then accounted for Richard Levi (7) and Temba Bavuma (6), while JP Duminy (1) was run out as the Cape side were reduced to 20/3. Hashim Amla did his best to keep his side in the game with his 52 (27 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes). Surprisingly, it almost helped pull off the improbable alongside Aviwe Mgijima (37 off 19). They were 86/3 when rain arrived and the revised conditions left them needing 38 from nine balls. There were 14 scored from the first three leaving 24 required from the final set, but Andile Phehlukwayo held his nerve to guide the Dolphins to the win.

In last night’s other big match, Albie Morkel and AB de Villiers helped the defending champions Multiply Titans begin their RAM SLAM T20 Challenge with a destructive eightwicket Duckworth/Lewis victory over the bizhub Highveld Lions in Centurion.

The pair both scored at a strike rate of over 250 as the hosts chased down a revised target of 135 in only 11.2 overs to win with a bonus point at SuperSport Park.