Durban - A magnificent unbeaten century by Dolphins skipper Morne van Wyk took his team to a thrilling five-wicket victory over the Titans in the opening Momentum One-Day Cup match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday night.
If the Dolphins returned from India with a cricketing hangover, the Titans initially threatened to increase its severity.
Not only did they rack up a ground record List A total of 340-6, with Theunis de Bruyn and Farhaan Berhardien striking brilliant hundreds, but the Dolphins were shoddy in the field – dropping three simple chances off De Bruyn - bowled too short and gave away too many runs in the outfield.
By the time a supper-time shower had readjusted their victory target to 301 in 42 overs at more than seven runs to the over, the visitors’ task was truly intimidating.
But, in perfect batting conditions, the Dolphins’ run chase was a remarkable one. First, their two most senior batsmen, Van Wyk and Vaughn van Jaarsveld, played some tremendous shots to add 109 for the third wicket to give them a sniff of victory.
But when Van Jaarsveld departed for 62 off 55 balls, the pressure was back on the Dolphins.
The captain, first assisted by Daryn Smit and then a superb cameo from Khaya Zondo, powered the visitors towards their target with 52 runs in the closing four-over powerplay. Van Wyk’s 121 off 112 balls was his 21st in List A cricket and his achievement was a monumental one, reflecting his experience, maturity and rock-steady temperament.
In the end, the Dolphins won with five balls to spare and the Titans will reflect on a number of missed opportunities, including far too many wides.
Earlier, Van Wyk won the toss and decided to bowl first. Two early wickets gave the Dolphins heart but then they ran into a runaway train called De Bruyn, a 22-year-old from Pretoria making his debut in this competition. The powerful right-hand batsman tore into their attack, driving beautifully through the off side as well as powerfully to leg.
When he reached his hundred off 85 balls (12 fours and three sixes), it seemed that the Titans would cruise past 350. But a brief improvement in the control of the Dolphins’ bowlers led to the loss of 3-30 in mid-innings and a sliver of hope for the visitors.
But that was soon extinguished by Behardien and Mangaliso Mosehle, who added 143 in 15 overs to push the Titans past 300. Behardien was clinical in his first 50 off 43 balls, punishing the bad ball but otherwise playing sensibly. Thereafter he cut loose, only needing a further 21 balls to reach his 100.
Independent on Saturday