Zondo on fire as Dolphins bash their way into T20 final

The KZN Dolphins needed just two runs off the last over to beat the Northern Titans by four wickets with three balls remaining in their CSA T20 Knockout semi-final in Kimberley on Thursday, but the win was achieved with misleading ease.

The Dolphins ultimately won thanks to a sensational blitz by Khaya Zondo in the penultimate over, as he hit fast bowler Okuhle Cele for two fours and a six in an over that cost 16 and settled the contest.

Zondo finished with a classy 58 not out off 45 balls to take KZN to their target of 139.

They were cruising on 92 for two in the 13th over, but then Dayyaan Galiem struck twice in successive overs, starting with the wicket of Sarel Erwee, caught behind for 33, to start a wobble.

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Galiem finished with two for 24 in three overs, while paceman Corbin Bosch was impressive up front with two for 18 in four overs which included a maiden.

Northerns had elected to bat first, but were soon 38 for four as seamer Ottneil Baartman, who was in the Proteas Test squad at the start of the year without making his debut, pushed his claims for higher honours with outstanding figures of four for 18.

The Titans relied heavily on opener Gihahn Cloete’s 62 off 49 balls to get to 138 all out in the 20th over, with Donovan Ferreira (26) and Corbin Bosch, who lashed 21 off 11 deliveries at the death, the only batsmen to offer much support.

Baartman was well supported by fellow pacemen Thando Ntini (4-0-26-2) and Ruan de Swardt (3-0-22-2).