SportSport

Dolphins edge Dragons in Kingsmead thriller

The Dragons will look back a game where they had chances to put their foot firmly on the Dolphins throats, but failed to capatalise at crucial stages in the game.

It was a case of Déjà vu for the North West Dragons who lost their second game in a row in the CSA One Day Cup after they failed to defend a decent score.

The Dolphins won this close encounter by 3 wickets with 7 balls to spare after chasing down the Dragons’ first innings total of 263/9 at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, 22 September. Once again, it was a centurion, this time in the form of Jason Smith (116 off 103 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes), who took the game away from the Dragons.

The Dragons will look back a game where they had chances to put their foot firmly on the Dolphins throats, but failed to capatalise at crucial stages in the game.

Firstly, they only scored 44 runs in the last 10 overs, whilst also losing wickets that halted their momentum in setting a target. Secondly, they lost set batsmen during the middle overs as no-one could kick on. The Dragons trio of Raynard van Tonder, Wihan Lubbe and Senuran Muthusamy played classy knocks. Van Tonder hit 54 (61) and both Wihan Lubbe and Senuran Muthusamy compiled 67, but failed to reach triple figures. Dolphins speedster, Daryn Dupavillon, impressed with an energetic 3/43 off his 10 overs.

Senuran Mutuhsamy hit 67 with the bat in a losing cause against the Dolphins. Photo: Wouter Pienaar.

Still, having got 263 on the board they would have fancied their chances with the ball, especially at Kingsmead where it is hard to chase under lights.

The Dolphins can tip their hat to Smith who played a brilliant innings under pressure, whilst most of the senior batsman such as Jon-Jon Smuts (4), Grant Roelofsen (1), Sarel Erwee (22) and Khaya Zondo (18) got dismissed cheaply. Tshepang Dithole played a supporting knock of 34 and Andile Phehlukwayo hit 25. It was down to Prenelan Subrayen to add a valuable 16, as he and Smith steered the Dolphins home with a 51-run partnership.

The top bowlers for the Dragons were Duan Jansen (2/49) and Kerwin Mungroo (1/43) who bowled economically.  The Dragons just could not get rid of Smith as he anchored the chase in a fine performance, hitting his debut list A century.

The NW Dragons next take on the Rocks at home on Sunday, 1 October at the J.B. Marks Oval at 10:00. One would feel this is a must win match if they are to stand a chance of reaching the final.

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