Sarel Erwee announces himself as Dolphins win Ram Slam opener

If the broader South African cricketing public weren’t familiar with Sarel Erwee, they are now.

By the time the Dolphins had reached a record-breaking 231/2 in the first match of Sunday’s domestic T20 challenge’s double header in Centurion against the Cape Cobras, the 28-year-old’s full range of shots was showcased.

It certainly played a bit part in the Durbanites’ victory by 15 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

His stunning, unbeaten 103 off just 58 balls actually shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Erwee, who hails from St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg, has been in the form of his life to date this season.

After starring for KwaZulu-Natal Inland in the Africa T20 Cup, the left-hander began his campaign in the domestic four-day competition with scores of 151 and 132.

Despite his low profile, Erwee announced himself last year already when he made 113 on his limited overs debut for the Dolphins.

Now, he’s a regular in this team.

Like many spectacular efforts, Erwee’s effort was characterised by an expensive dropped chance.

Having swung Vernon Philander sumptuously for a six over mid-wicket off the second ball of the match, he mistimed a fuller delivery but the Proteas seamer couldn’t make the catch stick.

Needless to say, the Cobras paid dearly for that.

Initially favouring the on-side, Erwee gradually gained confidence to give himself room and hit through the off-side.

Yet the real joy was found in his skill levels in the latter part of his knock.

There was a reverse sweep for four and two outrageous reverse scoops – a shot one isn’t used to, even in this T20-dominated era.

In contrast to Erwee’s innovation, Dolphins skipper Khaya Zondo played an innings that reminded all you can be an attacking player without being fancy.

For a small guy, Zondo packs a punch and fully deserved his unbeaten 67 off 34 balls.

Two of his four sixes came in a brutal 15th over off JP Duminy, slog swept against the scoreboard.

Erwee and Zondo added an unbeaten 136 for the third wicket.

A large chunk of the Cobras’ hopes went with Richard Levi after he skied a pull in the 2nd over before Temba Bavuma sliced a cut and JP Duminy was run out by a brilliant throw from Prenelan Subrayen.

With a storm looming, the Dolphins took their foot off the pedal as Hashim Amla (51 off 26) and Aviwe Mgijima (37 off 19) mounted a thrilling fightback but, after the rain break, 38 required off 9 proved simply unrealistic.

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