The Sunfoil Dolphins claimed victory over a strong Bizhub Lions team last Friday in their first game at the Sahara Stadium in the Momentum One Day cup.
The Dolphins, who lost to the Warriors last week Wednesday seemed to put their woes behind them with a good result against the Johannesburg outfit. The Lions,who defeated the Cape Cobras in their opening day encounter and are strong favorites in this year’s competition, left the Dolphins as the underdogs in Friday’s fixture.
A strong performance saw the Durban outfit seal victory as well as topping the table with three fixtures passed. Stand in captain Ryan Mclaren, who was in for the injured Mornè van Wyk said, “This was a very good result, we built a lot of pressure with the ball; it was a pretty slow wicket and taking wickets up front was crucial. We then managed to keep the pressure on them and I was really impressed with how we chased.Van Wyk explained that their batting was below par for ten overs in Port Elizabeth, and that could have been a contributing factor to their loss, but insists that in the game against the Lions, he felt as if they were in almost complete control in the “three disciplines,” bBatting, bowling and fielding.
”Winning the toss the visitors decided to bat first and got off to a good start making 30, soon after the chips began to fall with the Johannesburg outfit losing three wickets in the space of sixteen deliveries. Although the home side could not foil the attempts of former Protea Alviro Peterson. Peterson helped the away side to a seemingly difficult to chase 2217 making to 108 not out.
Cameron Delport (28) and Vaughn can Jaarsveld (50), a 67 run stand between the two was the perfect way to start the chase. 24 year old Cody Chetty seemed to work himself into the ground during his innings by making 86 not out. “I think from me personally a performance like this was long overdue,” said Chetty. “The team doesn’t really see themselves as youngsters anymore and so it’s about time that we start winning games for the team. I’m just happy that I could contribute in this game.”
The Sunfoil Dolphins travel to Centurion this Wednesday to play The Ultimate Titans at Supersport Park in the Momentum One Day Cup Clash. The Durban side travel back home afterwards to play The Cape Cobras this Friday at The Sahara Stadium.