Dolphins fall short despite Zondo century in series finale

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins played a good game but the cricket Gods were not on their side when they lost to the Warriors on Sunday, April 6.

A courageous fourth innings from the Dolphins wasn’t enough as they fell to a 37 run defeat to the Warriors in their final match in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Four-Day Domestic Series.

The Warriors had set the Dolphins the difficult task of chasing 382 in the final innings of the match. The Dolphins made a fist of the chase which went well into the final session. The Dolphins started the final day on 37 for two and unfortunately, they lost Bryce Parsons early on during the final day for four.

Tshepang Dithole was the second wicket to fall on the day and the fourth of the Dolphins innings with the total on 50 before Khaya Zondo joined Jason Smith at the crease. The pair then dug in and went about getting the Dolphins back into the match. The experienced duo combined for a partnership of 132 before Smith was the fifth Dolphins wicket to fall for 54.

The Dolphins lost another quick wicket when Romashan Pillay was caught off the bowling of Senuran Muthumsamy for a duck. There needed to be another fight back from the Dolphins and that came from Zondo and Eathan Bosch. Zondo went to a 14th first-class century, and it was an invaluable knock for the Dolphins. Bosch was supportive and the pair were responsible for adding 74 for the seventh wicket.

Zondo’s vigil would eventually end on 118 off 174 deliveries with 16 fours and two sixes. Bosch was joined by Prenelan Subrayen, who made an undefeated 49 in the first innings. The off-spinning all-rounder added another significant contribution when he made 26 and along with the ever-present Bosch they added 58 runs for the eighth wicket. Subrayen would be caught in the end leaving the Dolphins with 57 to get with two wickets in hand.

Bosch would end stranded on 80 off 96 balls while Tristan Luus and Okuhle Cele would both fall for ducks which would see the Dolphins bowled out for 344. Earlier in the match Dolphins seamer Tristan Luusshowed his incredible potential with a five wicket haul on first-class debut for the Dolphins. He took 5/90 off 25 overs in the Warriors second innings.