IT was a disappointing start to the Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ One Day Cup campaign on Friday (February 27) after they lost to the Dafabet Warriors at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The Durban side lost by six wickets despite a determined all-round effort in the 50-over competition.

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, the Dolphins posted a competitive 279 for 7 from their 50 overs.

That total was in part due to half centuries by openers Marques Ackerman (52) and Slade van Staden (52), followed by Hanu Viljoen’s top score of 74.

While their total looked defendable, Matthew Breetzke produced an innings of the highest quality, scoring 121 off 106 balls.

Breetzke struck 10 fours and four sixes in his innings and he found a powerful ally in Patrick Kruger, who finished unbeaten on 85 from 77 deliveries.

Together the pair turned the contest decisively, first rebuilding from 74 for 2 and then accelerating through the latter half of the chase.

From a Dolphins bowling point of view, Jon-Jon Smuts was the standout with figures of 2 for 31 from his 10 overs.

The Dolphins will take encouragement from their depth with the bat, yet the fine margins of one-day cricket were laid bare in a contest that slipped away in the closing stretch.

They next play the Momentum Multiply Titans at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead on Thursday, March 5, starting at 13:00.

Scoreboard summary

Toss: Dolphins
Hollywoodbets Dolphins 279/7 (50 overs)
Dafabet Warriors 283/4 (47.2 overs)
Dolphins lost by six wickets

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