Dolphins chase victory

THE DOLPHINS are 199 runs away from their first 4-day Franchise Series victory of the season, after the Warriors set them 217 to win at a balmy Kingsmead. What is more, it will be their first win at Kingsmead since April 2016.

The visitors, led by a 17th first-class century by Colin Ackermann, posted 376 all out in their second innings, to ensure the Dolphins have some graft to get through on the final day.

“I always enjoy playing in Durban, and that is the way I like to play in red-ball cricket,” Ackermann explained.

“I like to put the bowlers under pressure if they stray, and the wicket has got better and better. It was disappointing to get out as soon as I reached 100, because I pride myself on being able to kick on and make a really big one when I get the chance,” he added.

Ackermann received support from Gihahn Cloete (54), Yaseen Vallie (39), Clyde Fortuin (66) and Sisanda Magala, who made 51 batting with the tail. All those contributions kept the Dolphins out there for longer than they might have anticipated, but Sen Muthusamy built on his burgeoning reputation as an allrounder. Muthusamy took six for 98 in 35 overs, as he led the Dolphins attack.

The defiant Robbie Frylinck took two for 69, but the Dolphins young pacemen were made to pay a heavy toll for inconsistent lengths. That allowed the Warriors to keep chipping away at the deficit, and then pass it. Muthusamy struck two, crucial blows before the lunch interval removing both Ackermann and Vallie, when Dolphins heads were starting to drop. Had those two gone to lunch intact, they might have fancied a total beyond 400.

“It is a pity that we didn’t kick on, but the pitch is starting to turn,” Ackermann warned. “It only takes one crazy session for us, and we will be in the game.”

The Dolphins have already had a ‘crazy session’, in Kimberley against the Knights. They know that fourth innings totals come with added pressure, so it was important that Sarel Erwee and Vaughn van Jaarsveld got to stumps unscathed.