Durban, Feb 21 (IANS) A 92-run opening partnership between Sarel Erwee and Keegan Petersen helped the Hollywoodbets Dolphins make it three wins from three to lead the Betway T20 Challenge, thanks to a three-wicket win over the Dafabet Warriors via the Duckworth/Lewis Method on Sunday.
Both Erwee and Petersen struck half-centuries. Left-hander Erwee blasted four huge sixes and two fours on his way to 52 off 37 balls while Petersen recorded a more measured 58 not out (56 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) in what proved to be a relatively easy chase of 144 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
Earlier, the Eastern Cape franchise had captain Sinethemba Qeshile to thank after he hit an unbeaten 47 off 38 deliveries after winning the toss and batting.
The Warriors just could not get going during their innings following another stellar performance by spinner Keshav Maharaj, who returned figures of none for 12 in four overs, two of which were remarkable maidens. Maharaj opened the bowling once again and put the brakes on from the outset, with his tight bowling leaving the Warriors on just 61 for three at halfway.
Gihahn Cloete (5), Marco Marais (18) and Lesiba Ngoepe (19) were the men to fall in the first 10 overs as Robbie Frylinck (1/33), Kerwin Mungroo (1/30) and Ottneil Baartman (2/31) all struck.
But a 71-run partnership between Qeshile and Jon-Jon Smuts (29) got the innings going, before late wickets cut short that momentum as the Warriors finished with 143 for five.
The Dolphins’ reply was outstanding. Erwee blasted his eighth career half-century and Petersen his third in what was the competition’s biggest partnership for all wickets to date.
When the stand was eventually broken in the 13th over by Aya Gqamane (1/15) the local side needed just 52 off 47 balls. That wicket followed by the run out of Senuran Muthusamy (6) did open the door, however, for Robin Peterson’s side.
But they then dropped two crucial catches just before the rain came, which ultimately proved costly as the Dolphins held on to climb top of the table.
–IANS
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