Titans start Momentum one day series with unnecessarily defeat
The Titans' defeat in their first match in the Momentum one-day series was characterized by strange choices at critical times during the game.
Strange decisions by captain Albie Morkel and the management team, as well as Robbie Frylinck’s record innings for the Dolphins cost the Titans dearly on Friday.
The two sides faced off in their first game of the season in the Momentum one-day cricket series in Centurion.
The home side were well on their way to 350 runs after an opening partnership of 153 runs between Henry Davids (87) and Johathan Vandiar (51) and a decent contribution of 34 runs by Dean Elgar.
When Elgar’s wicket fell in the 41th over however, it was decided to send the inexperienced Tony de Zorzi in to bat, while proven big hitters like Morkel and David Wiese were also available.
De Zorzi eventually batted for 23 minutes, but could only gather 10 runs off 12 balls. When Morkel eventually came in to bat, there were only four overs left.
As a result, the Titans could not even record 100 runs in their last 10 overs with six wickets available, including those of Morkel and Wiese.
The Titans’ 324 runs were about 20 too few to win the game, while there were also strange choices in respect of the bowling attack in the last few overs.
To make matters worse the visitors’ all-rounder, Robbie Frylinck, recorded the fastest half-century in Momentum one-day cup history.
Frylinck smashed 54 (20 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes) to set up the highest ever successful chase by the away side.
Frylinck’s 50 came from just 19 balls as he beat the previous best mark of 20 balls achieved by Qaasim Adams for the Titans against the Highveld Lions last season.
It completed a remarkable chase for the Dolphins, which was set up by solid half-centuries from Sarel Erwee (70) and Morne van Wyk (61), as well as Cody Chetty (50).
Keshav Maharaj also played a key role by plundering three fours and a six in his 22-ball 38.
This came at a time when the men from KwaZulu-Natal were ambling along in their chase having slipped to 213/4 with a little over 10 overs to go.
The telling moment came when Junior Dala was taken to the cleaners by Frylinck in the 47th over when he went for 22 – having gone for only 20 in his first six overs.
Rivaldo Moonsamy made an outstanding 68 on debut, but his day was spoilt by Frylinck as the Dolphins started with an impressive win.
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