The Hollywoodbets Dolphins pulled off a sensational heist against the World Sports Betting Western Province on Friday, sneaking home for a win by one wicket in the CSA 4-Day Series.

Eathan Bosch was the hero, finishing unbeaten on 59 as he led the way in knocking off the 88 runs still needed on the final morning at Newlands.

Dane Paterson appeared to have settled the nerves with the early breakthrough, ending Hanu Viljoen’s resistance in the fourth over of the morning.

Tristan Luus followed him in trudging up the stairs soon after, falling to Kyle Simmons for one to make it 156-8.

Bosch had made his entrance when the first wicket fell and he took complete charge of the situation during his 74-ball stay, striking six fours and a pair of sixes.

He did so for the most part alongside Nqobani Mokoena, with the teenager also clearing the ropes twice on his way to a game-changing 23.

Mokoena fell to Mthiwekhaya Nabe with 19 still needed but last man Okuhle Cele hung around long enough for Bosch to steer the Dolphins home.

Pietermaritzburg: Goldrush Boland crushed the ACDC Express Tuskers by nine wickets at the City Oval on Friday, sealing their second CSA 4-Day Series win of the season.

Grant Roelofsen clattered 82 off just 60 deliveries from the top of the order to make light work of a 122-run chase, making 70 of them in boundaries with 16 fours and a six.

Pieter Malan contributed 15 before Chad Laycock had him caught behind by Cameron Shekleton.

That brought Gavin Kaplan to the crease and he added an unbeaten 25 to go with his first-innings 152 that had set the course for the match.

Veteran spinner Shaun von Berg earlier dealt the home side a double blow in just the second over of the morning, removing skipper Michael Erlank then Hardus Viljoen without addition to the overnight total of 150-6.

When Ntando Zuma’s 29-run vigil came to an end at the hands of Keith Dudgeon, it left the Tuskers needing a minor miracle. At least Roelofsen put them out of their misery quickly.

Centurion: The Multiply Titans’ miserable CSA 4-Day Series run continued at SuperSport Park on Friday, as the Dafabet Warriors wrapped up a 46-run victory with two sessions to spare.

 It means the Titans continue their losing streak to start the 2025/26 season and remain rooted to the bottom of the log, while the visitors maintain their unbeaten run.

The odds were always stacked against the home side on the final day, with 104 runs still required and just four wickets in hand.

They added 20 before Keagan Lion-Cachet was the first to fall, bowled by Matthew Boast for a cagey 11 off 48 deliveries.

Duan Jansen came out firing, with three boundaries on his way to 19 at better than a run-a-ball, only for Aphiwe Mnyanda to have him caught by Patrick Kruger.

Mnyanda (4-52) and Kruger combined again to break the resolve of Keegan Petersen (39), before Boast cleaned up last man Lesego Kokohlabana to claim his own third wicket and finish the job comfortably.

JOHANNESBURG: The North West Dragons moved to the top of the CSA Four-Day Series log after beating the DP World Lions by eight wickets with a day to spare at the Wanderers on Thursday.

With their backs already against the wall, the Lions resumed day three on 39-4, having been bowled out for 239 in the first innings.

Connor Esterhuizen, the hero of the first innings with his unbeaten century, was still at the crease and offered a glimmer of hope.

But Ruan de Swardt had other ideas. He removed Esterhuizen early, and the rest of the Lions followed in quick succession.

Richard Seletswane’s stubborn 38 off 112 balls was the only resistance, and one of just two batters to survive more than 50 deliveries in the second innings.

Skittled for 163, the Lions left the Dragons with a modest target.

Onke Nyaku led the charge with 4-74, while De Swardt and Shimane Mothoa chipped in with two wickets each.

The chase was swift. After the openers were dismissed, Janneman Malan added 41 off 46 balls and Wihan Lubbe smashed 67 off the same number to seal a convincing win for the visitors.

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PIETERMARITZBURG: A tense final day awaits at the Pietermaritzburg Oval, where the CSA Four-Day Series clash between Goldrush Boland and the ACDC Express Tuskers hangs in the balance. 

The hosts will resume on Friday just 89 runs ahead, with four second-innings wickets in hand and captain Michael Erlank still at the crease.

Earlier in the day, Boland extended their first-innings total to 359.

Gavin Kaplan resumed on 126 not out and added another 26 runs before falling as the ninth wicket for a marathon 152 off 278 balls.

His innings, which included nine boundaries, was a masterclass in patience and application.

The Tuskers struck early, removing Aviwe Mgijima and Clyde Fortuin in quick succession.

But Jhedli van Briesies mirrored Kaplan’s grit, compiling 82 off 172 balls in a crucial 151-run fifth-wicket stand.

Once Van Briesies departed, the tail offered little resistance, with no other batter passing 21.

Ziyaad Abrahams led the attack with 3-35, while Erlank and Gihahn Viljoen picked up two wickets each.

In reply, the Tuskers started well but faltered. Malcolm Nofal looked fluent in his 49 off 69 balls before falling to a sharp return catch by Shaun von Berg.

Kagiso Rapulana added 38, but the middle order crumbled under sustained pressure.

Von Berg was the standout, claiming 3-35 in 18 overs. Ayabulela Gqamane took two wickets and Jevano Baron removed Rapulana.

At stumps, Erlank was unbeaten on 31 from 122 balls, joined by Ntando Zuma on 5.

With just 150 on the board for six wickets, the Tuskers will need a gritty effort to set a defendable target.

Boland will be eyeing an early finish.

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CENTURION: A nail-biting final day awaits at SuperSport Park, where the Momentum Multiply Titans need 104 more runs with four wickets in hand to chase down the Dafabet Warriors and secure their first win of the CSA Four-Day Series season.

The Warriors resumed their second innings with a slender lead and posted 251 all out in 78 overs.

Sinethemba Qeshile scored 60 off 111 balls and Matthew de Villiers added 54 off 118.

Patrick Kruger contributed a brisk 45 not out, while Mathew Boast chipped in with 18.

From 59-4, the middle order dug deep to stretch the advantage.

Neil Brand led the Titans’ bowling with 3-54. Lesego Kokohlabana and Bongumusa Makhanya claimed two wickets each, while Janco Smit set the tone with 2-15 in 11 overs.

In reply, the Titans stumbled to 164-6 in 46 overs. Rivaldo Moonsamy stood tall with a counter-attacking 63 off 72 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. His dismissal triggered a collapse.

Duanne Olivier was relentless, taking 3-34 to add to his first-innings haul. Aphiwe Mnyanda took 2-42 and Boast added one more.

Keagan Lion-Cachet (8 not out) and Keegan Petersen (6 not out) will resume on day four.

With both teams desperate for points, the final day promises a tense finish.

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CAPE TOWN: The CSA Four-Day Series clash between World Sports Betting Western Province and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins is heading for a dramatic conclusion at Newlands. 

The visitors need just 88 more runs, while the hosts are hunting four wickets.

Western Province were bowled out for 148 in their second innings, surrendering their first-innings lead of 70 runs.

Bryce Parsons was the destroyer-in-chief, claiming a career-best 6-41 in 14 overs.

Okuhle Cele and Tristan Luus took two wickets each, while Eathan Bosch bowled with control, conceding just 14 runs in 11 overs.

Joshua van Heerden top-scored with 50 off 59 balls, but once he fell with the score on 79, the innings unraveled.

From 79-1, Province collapsed to 148 all out. Only Bongi Mfunelwa (19) and Mthiwekhaya Nabe (11 not out) offered late resistance.

Set 219 to win, the Dolphins reached 131-6 by stumps. Van Heerden and Jiveshan Pillay (31) laid a solid foundation, but wickets fell in clusters.

Parsons capped his day with a sharp catch and a six-for, while Luus picked up two late wickets.

With four wickets in hand and 88 runs still required, the Dolphins will need composure.

Western Province will be banking on early breakthroughs to seal a hard-fought win.

Cape Town: World Sports Betting Western Province are on top at Newlands after day two of their CSA 4-Day Series match, despite the bowling heroics of Okuhle Cele for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins on Wednesday.

Cele ripped through the final four wickets of the hosts’ first innings, as they wilted in the morning heat.

They added just 13 runs to their commanding overnight position of 324-6, fumbling to 337 thanks to the 28-year old’s third First Class five-for.

The Dolphins stumbled to 269-9 at stumps, still 70 runs adrift and a stern task ahead.

They’d started their response steadily, piecing together a half-century stand for the first wicket before Romashan Pillay (27) and Tshepang Ditole (32) were both prized out by Dane Paterson in the space of three balls in the 23rd over.

Marques Ackerman top-scored with a commanding 80 off 121 balls before he became the middle of three wickets to tumble with the score on 214, caught and bowled by Beuran Hendricks as the sixth man to fall, before Ethan Bosch was pinned LBW without scoring three balls later by the home captain.

A doughty, unbeaten 28 from Hanu Viljoen kept the Dolphins’ heads above water, as they head into day three with work to do.

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Pietermaritzburg: Gavin Kaplan led the way as Goldrush Boland moved into a handy position in their CSA 4-Day Series clash with the ACDC Express Tuskers at the City Oval on Wednesday.

His composed 126 not out will see him walk back out on Thursday morning with his side 295-5, trailing their hosts by just three runs at the halfway mark.

Kaplan struck just six boundaries on a competitive second day, backing up his century against the Warriors in Gqeberha a week ago.

Pieter Malan fell early on to the bowling of Ziyaad Abrahams, before fellow opener Grant Roelofsen was caught and bowled by Tuskers captain Michael Erlank for 43 with the score on 109-2.

The home side were sensing blood when they removed Aviwe Mgijima (1) and Clyde Fortuin (17) cheaply, but Jhedli van Briesies settled the nerves with a knock of 82, putting on 151 with Kaplan for the fifth wicket.

Van Briesies became the second victim of veteran Erlank (2-57) late in the day, before Shaun von Berg blocked his way to stumps alongside Kaplan, leaving it all to play for on day three.

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Johannesburg: The DP World Lions are facing an uphill task in their CSA 4-Day Series game with the North West Dragons, leading by an uncomfortable 22 runs with just six second innings wickets in hand at the end of day two at the Wanderers.

Ball had the better of bat for the second day running despite clear skies in Gauteng on Wednesday with the exception of Dian Forrester, whose 78 not out carried the visitors to a total of 256 and a first innings lead of 17.

The left-hander struck three sixes before carrying his bat, while all around him were dismantled by pace pair Beyers Swanepoel, who returned figures of 5-84, alongside Siya Plaatjie (4-54).

Resuming on 23-2, the Dragons were going well until Wihan Lubbe provided Plaatjie with his first wicket with the score on 80, with Meeka-Eel Prince following shortly afterwards to the same bowler, LBW two short of a half-century.

Falling to 171-9, the Lions were then frustrated by the efforts of Forrester and number 11 Shimane Mothoa (24), who between them put on a potentially game-changing 85 for the last wicket in 17 overs.

Onke Nyaku (2-28) then removed Dominic Hendricks without a run on the board of the Lions’ second dig, with Ruan de Swardt and Mothoa also striking late on to put the men from the north firmly on top.

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Centurion: Duanne Olivier led the charge for the Dafabet Warriors in their CSA 4-Day Series contest with the Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park on Wednesday, only for the game to remain right in the balance at the halfway stage.

The 33-year-old quick claimed 4-39 as the home side were bowled out for 228 on day two, conceding a 16-run first innings deficit before reducing their visitors to 73-4 at Stumps.

Olivier struck first when he claimed the scalp of opener Lesego Senokwane for eight, before removing captain Keegan Petersen (28) after Jorich van Schalkwyk had been run out by rookie Aphiwe Mnyanda, who also went on to claim figures of 2-50 with his left-arm seam.

Rivaldo Moonsamy took the fight to the Warriors with an 86-run blast off just 102 deliveries, including 11 fours and a pair of sixes.

But his was a largely lone battle save for the efforts of Abdu Galiem, who finished 27 not out.

And the contest is very much alive after the Warriors’ top four were shot out before the close despite all reaching double figures.

Janco Smit was the pick of the Titans’ attack, taking 2-6 from his six-over new ball burst, with a wicket apiece for Bongumusa Makhanya and Lesego Kokohlabana.

PIETERMARITZBURG: Malcolm Nofal's composed 89 and laid the foundation for ACDC Express Tuskers‘ total of 298 in their CSA 4-Day Series clash against Goldrush Boland at the City Oval on Tuesday.

The hosts recovered from a precarious 13-3 to post a competitive first-innings score, thanks to middle-order resistance led by Nofal, Cameron Shekleton (53), and Andile Mokgakane (78).

Nofal’s innings spanned 183 deliveries and featured eight boundaries. He was eventually dismissed in the 60th over, caught by Shaun von Berg off Jevano Baron’s bowling.

Mokgakane added stability with a 124-ball 78, while Shekleton contributed a patient half-century. Ntando Zuma chipped in with 33 before falling lbw to Keith Dudgeon.

Boland’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly. Dudgeon and Ayabulela Gqamane claimed three apiece, while Von Berg picked up two. Glenton Stuurman and Baron took one each.

Boland reached 14-0 in two overs before stumps, with Pieter Malan (4*) and Grant Roelofsen (5*) unbeaten at the crease. They trail by 284 runs heading into day two.

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JOHANNESBURG: A composed century from Connor Esterhuizen steadied the DP World Lions after a top-order collapse left them reeling at 25-5 on day one of their CSA 4-Day Series encounter with North West Dragons at the Wanderers.

Choosing to field after winning the toss proved to be a good decision for North West, as the log leaders’ wickets tumbled before the rescue mission.

Esterhuizen absorbed pressure and anchored the innings with an unbeaten 100 off 195 deliveries, striking 15 fours and two sixes.

His partnership with Delano Potgieter proved decisive. The pair added 152 runs for the sixth wicket to lift the Lions to a total of 239.

Potgieter played fluently for his 77 off 130 balls, finding the boundary 14 times before falling to Ruan de Swardt.

The North West seamer led the attack with 3-18 in 15 overs, while Onke Nyaku matched his tally with 3-36.

Achille Cloete and Thabile Hlatuka claimed one wicket apiece.

North West’s reply began shakily. Beyers Swanepoel struck twice in his opening spell, removing Lesiba Ngoepe and Janneman Malan inside three overs.

The visitors closed on 23-2, trailing by 216 runs.

Meeka-eel Prince (12*) and captain Wihan Lubbe (2*) will resume the innings on day two.

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CENTURION: A patient century from Matthew Breetzke gave the Dafabet Warriors a foothold in their CSA 4-Day Series clash against the Momentum Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park on Tuesday.

Breetzke compiled a composed 113 off 165 deliveries, striking 18 boundaries in a knock that anchored the Warriors’ innings.

He arrived at the crease with the score on 29-3 and remained until the final ball, dismissed for the tenth wicket as the visitors were bowled out for 244.

The Warriors’ top order struggled early, with Duan Jansen removing both openers and finishing with career-best figures of 5-39 in 23 overs.

Abdu Galiem supported well with 3-34, while Lesego Kokohlabana and Neil Brand claimed one wicket each.

Patrick Kruger (35) and Mathew Boast (28) added useful runs in the lower order, but the Titans’ bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.

In reply, the Titans made a cautious start, reaching eight without loss in five overs.

Lesego Senokwane (4*) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (4*) negotiated a disciplined opening spell from Duanne Olivier and Mathew Boast, who conceded just four runs apiece.

Day two will resume with the Titans trailing by 236 runs and all ten wickets intact.

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CAPE TOWN: Valentine Kitme’s elegant century guided World Sports Betting Western Province to a commanding 324-6 on day one of their CSA 4-Day Series clash against Hollywoodbets Dolphins at Newlands.

Kitme’s 102 off 149 balls stood out on a hot day under a cloudless Cape Town sky. Laced with 16 fours and a six.

He arrived with the score on 67-2 and stitched together a 112-run stand with Daniel Smith, who contributed a fluent 53 off 83 deliveries.

Earlier, Jiveshan Pillay laid the foundation with a patient 54, while Edward Moore added 28 at the top.

Late contributions from Bongi Mfunelwa (30*) and Kyle Simmonds (25*) ensured Western Province closed the day with momentum and wickets in hand.

Nqobani Mokoena led the Dolphins’ bowling effort with 2-46, while Okuhle Cele, Eathan Bosch and Romashan Pillay claimed one wicket apiece.

Bosch was the most economical, conceding just 28 runs in 20 overs.

Western Province will resume on day two with Mfunelwa and Simmonds at the crease, looking to build on a strong platform while the Dolphins continue their hunt for wickets.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins continue a long run of matches in the 4-Day Series when they head to WSB Newlands for a showdown with WSB Western Province starting on Tuesday.

The Dolphins have drawn two and won one of their three matches in the red ball competition so far this season and will be hoping to add another important win to their record when the match concludes in Cape Town on Friday.

Dolphins coach Quinton Friend would have been buoyed by the impact that the young players had in their drawn match against the Moothee Ram Tuskers last week at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.

Debutant Aryan Gopalan was resolute in batting the Dolphins into a position of safety on the final day when he made an epic 28 off 122 deliveries batting at No 9.

Heading into the clash in Cape Town the Dolphins welcome back Marques Ackerman who has been absent from the squad due to an injury. The captain will be a welcome return to the Dolphins side going into this week.

The Dolphins have emerged well from pressure situations in their previous two matches in the 4-Day Series and coach Quinton Friend feels that the resilience shown is crucial going forward.

"We've come off two draws in which we have really had to step up as a team and it's brilliant to see how the guys have stepped up and dealt with the pressure," Friend said. "To bat out for a draw in both matches is critical in the context of the competition because we remain unbeaten and it also just shows the mindset of the team."

Looking ahead and on areas that they will be highlighting, Friend has mentioned the bowling as an area to improve.

"The last two matches we haven't been able to get full bowling points which is something that we always want.

"We have dropped a number of catches this season so far which makes it more difficult to get full bowling points but we are determined to get that right at Newlands this week," a positive Friend commented.

With such a busy schedule in the 4-Day Series, the Dolphins squad has been fairly consistent however Friend has been able to bring in some of the players that are on the fringes of the Dolphins set-up.

"I think we've been able to rotate quite nicely and give younger players a go which has been brilliant to see.

"The likes of Nqobani Mokoena, Aryan Gopalan and Semal Pillay have all made their debuts this season and contributed as well which has been fantastic.

With two draws and a victory on their record, the Dolphins are within touching distance of first place on the table which is encouraging for Friend.

"We are currently only nine points off first place and the teams above us have won two matches. This shows that our first innings batting has been good and we want to continue that.

"This is a big week for us being the last round of matches before the T20 competition starts so we want to finish off on a winning note," Friend added.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins v WSB Western Province Squad:

Marques Ackerman (c), Tristan Luus, Khaya Zondo, Tshepang Dithole, Eathan Bosch, Aryan Gopalan, Bryce Parsons, Nqobani Mokoena, Okuhle Cele, Romashan Pillay, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Slade Van Staden, Jason Smith.

Cape Town: Joshua van Heerden and Beuran Hendricks starred with bat and ball as they helped WSB Western Province cruise to a convincing eight-wicket win over the Eastvaal Renault Dragons in their CSA 4-Day Series fixture at Newlands on Friday.

Hendricks backed his skills with the ball and elected to field first after winning the toss on Tuesday. The left-arm pacer registered his 21st first-class five-wicket haul as he helped restrict the Dragons to 284. He finished the innings with five wickets for 70 runs in 21 overs.

Van Heerden grabbed the baton from Hendricks in the second innings as he patiently worked his way to a brilliant 139 from 234 balls. The ton helped Western Province reply to the Dragons’ tally with an emphatic total of 405. Jiveshan Pillay (74) and Daniel Smith (69) chipped in with half-centuries.

Rubin Hermann, who scored a masterful 143 in the first innings, stood tall once more and registered another ton, 108, as he valiantly fought to keep the Dragons in the game. However, he had little support and the Dragons we dismissed for 288, leaving Western Province with an easy target.

Van Heerden led the way in Western Province’s chase with an unbeaten half-century as the hosts cantered to 173/2. He finished the innings on 78 from 122 balls. He was in Daniel Smith’s company when they crossed the finish line. Smith was on 55 not out from 49 balls.

 

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Pretoria: The DP World Lions produced a well-rounded performance on their way to a comfortable nine-wicket win over the Momentum Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park.

The visitors delivered a disciplined show with the ball on the first day to restrict the Titans to 368. Their combined effort ensured that none of the Lions’ three half-centurions, Jorich van Schalkwyk (72), Lesego Senokwane (63), and Rivaldo Moonsamy (58) converted those scores to triple figures.

Delano Potgieter led the way with the bat for the Lions with a well-played 99 that spirited the visitors to 386 in their reply. Joshua Richards (54) and Dominic Hendricks (79) scored useful half-centuries in the effort.

Siya Plaatjie showed that he had settled at his new home in the Highveld with a five-wicket haul that restricted the Titans to 158 in the third innings. The pacer finished the innings with five wickets for 64 runs in 15 overs. His effort left the Lions with an easy target for victory.

Richards (61) and Hendricks (65*) mirrored their second innings showing and scored another pair of half-centuries as they shepherded the Lions to 141 for one and victory.

 

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Durban: Jason Smith and Michael Erlank, the captains of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and the Moothee Ram Tuskers, shook hands on Friday afternoon after their encounter at Kingsmead was declared a draw.

Bryce Parsons played an outstanding knock to catapult the Dolphins to 400 after they had been asked to bat first. The allrounder struck 22 fours on his way to a career-best 183 from 262 balls. Eathan Bosch (80) and Smith (58) chimed in with half-centuries.

Malcolm Nofal took the wheel in the Tuskers’ reply with an equally brilliant century of his own. The opener also scored 183 runs, but from 344 balls as he steered the Tuskers to 493 for nine declared. Like Parsons, his innings was supported by a pair of half-centuries from Kagiso Rapulana (61) and Hardus Viljoen (53).

Viljoen then turned around and bagged a five-wicket haul to limit the Dolphins to 239 for nine as the contest meandered to a draw on the final afternoon. The seasoned pacer bagged five wickets for 60 runs in 26 overs.

 

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Gqeberha: The Dafabet Warriors bowled well to save the match and force a draw when they went up against Goldrush Boland at St George’s Park.

The Warriors intended to post an imposing total when they won the toss and chose to bat first. However, they ran into an inspired Glenton Stuurman, who took four wickets for 43 runs in 16 overs to restrict them to 157.

Gavin Kaplan spearheaded Boland’s charge as they marched to 274 in reply. He stood tall with a great 110 from 191 balls, and was supported by Aviwe Mgijima, who was unfortunate to miss out on a ton. Mgijima fell for 92 from 236 deliveries.

Jordan Hermann and Patrick Kruger dug deep and compiled a match-saving 184-run sixth-wicket partnership that lifted the Warriors to 374. Hermann was run out after scoring an exceptional 156 from 250 balls. Kruger, on the other hand, made a wonderful 129 from 198 deliveries.

Clyde Reeves-Fortuin blazed the path with 87 from 109 balls as Boland pushed for a win. However, Matthew Boast stood in their way and kept them to 223 for seven at stumps. Boast, who took four wickets for 55 runs in 20.4 overs in the second innings, claimed another four scalps in the fourth innings, 4-64, to help the Warriors secure the draw.

Durban: Malcolm Nofal registered a new career-best first-class score as he led the Moothee Ram Tuskers to a total of 484-8 in reply to the Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ tally of 400 in their CSA 4-Day Series encounter at Kingsmead on Thursday.

The visitors had established an 84-run lead with two wickets in hand at the close of play.

Ntando Zuma (43*) and Daryn Dupavillon (14*) will carry on for the Tuskers on day four.

Nofal added 117 runs to his overnight score of 66 and was dismissed for 183 from 344 balls.

His knock featured 23 fours and a single six. The opener was at the crease for a total of 119.5 overs and was dismissed when he heaved a Nqobani Mokoena delivery to Tshepang Dithole at deep square leg.

Hardus Viljoen positively contributed to the Tuskers’ mammoth score with a brisk half-century. The 36-year-old flayed a 35-ball 53. This is Viljoen's 10th first-class half-century.

Eathan Bosch, Nqobani Mokoena and Aryan Gopalan finished the day with a brace of wickets each for the Dolphins.

Bosch had the best figures with two wickets for 68 runs in 25 overs.

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Cape Town: Rubin Hermann scored a defiant century that kept the Eastvaal Renault Dragons in the contest in their match against WSB Western Province at Newlands. His effort helped the Dragons to 244-7 at stumps.

The Dragons were inserted to bat first and put 284 runs on the board in the first innings.

The hosts replied with an impressive 405. The Dragons lead Western Province by 123 runs with three wickets in hand.

Hermann creamed 15 fours and two sixes in his way to a 130-ball 108.

The visitors were on 42-3 when Hermann arrived at the crease, and slipped to 42-4 six balls later. The left-hander stabilised things with a 69-run fifth-wicket stand with Ruan de Swardt.

That partnership was succeeded by a productive 91-run sixth-wicket stand with Dian Forrester (45). The allrounder’s tally came off 53 deliveries.

Beuran Hendricks and Tshepo Moreki led the charge for Western Province with the ball. They both bagged a brace of wickets.

Moreki was the more economical with 50 runs in 10 overs, while Hendricks conceded 76 runs in 14 overs.

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Pretoria: Delano Potgieter fell one run short of his sixth first-class century as he shepherded the DP World Lions to 386 in their reply to the Momentum Multiply Titans’ first innings score of 368 at SuperSport Park.

The Titans were on 142-9 with a 124-run lead.

Potgieter did a wonderful job of farming the strike while batting with the Lions’ lower-order while accumulating 99 runs from 196 deliveries.

The allrounder was on the cusp of a century when he was run-out trying to take a tight second run. His contribution gave the Lions a short lead over the hosts.

Siya Plaatjie further tilted the contest in the Lions’ favour by bagging his second first-class five-wicket haul.

The pacer finished the day with five wickets for 54 runs in 13 overs. He took wickets at regular intervals to ensure that the Titans did not settle into the innings.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius top-scored for the Titans with 37 runs from 48 balls. Keegan Petersen was the only other batter who crossed the 20-run mark with a 51-ball 26.

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Gqeberha: Jordan Hermann’s century inched the Dafabet Warriors into the lead in their contest against Goldrush Boland at St George’s Park. The Warriors were on 207-5 at the close of play, with a 90-run lead with five wickets in hand.

The Warriors collapsed for 157 in the first innings, before Boland replied with a total of 274.

Hermann stood firm while wickets tumbled at the other end as he battled to keep the hosts in the contest. The left-hander was unbeaten on 110 from 175 deliveries.

Hermann shared a potentially match-saving 96-run sixth-wicket partnership with Patrick Kruger.

The allrounder finished the day on 45 off 95 balls. The pair ensured that the Warriors did not lose more wickets on a rain-interrupted third day.

Lehan Botha was the most successful bowler for Boland in the innings with three wickets for 53 runs in 16 overs.

Shaun von Berg and Akhona Mnyaka ended the day with a wicket each.

Joshua van Heerden made his mark with a sensational century to lead WSB Western Province to 299-3 at the close of play in their CSA 4-Day Series encounter against Eastvaal Renault Dragons at Newlands on Wednesday.

Western Province won the toss, elected to bowl first and bowled the Dragons out for 284.

The hosts lead the Dragons by 15 runs with seven wickets in hand. They had Daniel Smith (65*) and Valentine Kitime (8*) at the crease.

Van Heerden led the way with 139 from 234 balls in an innings that featured 21 fours and a single six.

The opener shared a monumental 198-run opening partnership with Jiveshan Pillay to give the hosts a sturdy foundation.

Pillay showed patience and application as he worked his way to 74 from 168 deliveries.

The hosts stumbled when they Pillay and Juan James in three overs; however, Van Heerden and Smith recalibrated and mounted an 80-run third-wicket stand that put Western Province in the lead.

Smith closed the day with an unbeaten breezy 65 from 64 balls.

The Dragon’s trio of allrounders, Wihan Lubbe, Ruan de Swardt and Dian Forrester, took a wicket each on day two.

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Durban: Daryn Dupavillon registered his 11th first-class five-wicket haul as he helped the Moothee Ram Tuskers bowl the Hollywoodbets Dolphins out for 400, before Malcolm Nofal scored an unbeaten half-century to steer the visitors to 164-1 at stumps at Kingsmead.

 The Tuskers trail the Dolphins by 236 runs with nine wickets in hand. They had Nofal (66*) and Mohammad Bulbulia (27*) at the crease.

Dupavillon picked up from where he left off on day one and added three more scalps on his way to six wickets for 44 runs in 21.5 overs.

Among his dismissals was the important wicket of Eathan Bosch, who contributed crucial lower-order runs with an excellent 80 from 106 deliveries.

Malcolm Nofal and Kagiso Rapulana gave the visitors a solid start in their reply with a 114-run opening stand.

Rapulana showed good defence on his way to an outstanding 61 from 107 balls. The opener was dismissed after hitting his wicket, seconds after dealing with a fairly innocuous delivery from Aryan Gopalan.

Gopalan was the sole wicket-taker for the Dolphins. He ended the day with a single wicket for 38 runs in 13 overs.

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Gqeberha: Gavin Kaplan and Lehan Botha produced brilliant performances to put Goldrush Boland in control of their encounter against the Dafabet Warriors at St George’s Park.

Botha’s trio of wickets helped the visitors restrict the Warriors to 118-5 at stumps.

The Warriors, who had Jordan Hermann (69*) and Patrick Kruger (6*) at the crease at the close of play, trail Boland by a single run with five wickets in hand.

The hosts collapsed for 157 in the first innings, before Gavin Kaplan registered an imperious century to lead Boland to 257 in their reply.

Kaplan was the mainstay for Boland’s reply with an unmatched 110 from 191 balls.

The No 3 batter creamed 12 fours on his way to his fifth first-class century. He shared a brilliant 173-run third-wicket partnership with Aviwe Mgijima, who played a stellar supporting role to Kaplan.

Mgijima accumulated a patient 92 from 236 deliveries.

Botha, who ended the day with three wickets for 18 runs in eight overs, ensured that the Warriors lost wickets at regular intervals and were behind the game at all times.

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Pretoria: Dominic Hendricks (79) and Joshua Richards (54) notched half-centuries as the DP World Lions fought their way to 269-6 in their reply to the Momentum Multiply Titans’ first innings total of 368 at SuperSport Park.

The Lions, who had Delano Potgieter (41*) and Bjorn Fortuin (38*) at the crease at stumps, trail the Titans by 99 runs with four wickets in hand.

Hendricks and Richards combined for an 85-run opening partnership that put the Lions in a strong position.

Hendricks top-scored for the Lions with a 165-ball 79 that featured 13 fours, while Richards struck eight fours and a single six for his 54 from 56 deliveries.

The Lions failed to capitalise on the start by their opening pair thanks to Junior Dala, who caused a top order collapse.

He saw to it that the Lions lost Richards, Reeza Hendricks and Mitchell van Buuren for nine runs in 2.2 overs.

Dala ended the day with three wickets for 51 runs in 13 overs.

Durban: Bryce Parsons (183) owned the day with an outstanding century to lead the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to 367-7 in their CSA 4-Day Series encounter against the Moothee Ram Tuskers at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

Parsons carved 22 fours on his way to an outstanding 183 from 262 deliveries.

The Dolphins were in trouble and in need of someone who could steady the ship when Parsons arrived at the crease. The hosts were on 6-2 after 2.5 overs.

The allrounder dropped anchor and built a solid innings to dig the Dolphins out of danger.

Parsons shared a sensational 115-run fourth-wicket partnership with Jason Smith, who scored a brilliant 58 from 61 balls.

Eathan Bosch swelled the Dolphins' total with an unbeaten 55 at close of play. He was in the company of Aryan Gopalan (0*) at stumps.

Daryn Dupavillon was the Tuskers’ most successful bowler with three wickets for 39 runs in 16 overs.

The pacer took the big wicket of Bryce Parsons and also accounted for Tshepang Dithole and Slade van Staden.

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Pretoria: A trio of half-centuries from Lesego Senokwane (63), Jorich van Schalkwyk (72) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (58) helped the Momentum Multiply Titans to 330-8 when they crossed swords with the DP World Lions at SuperSport Park.

Senokwane and Van Schalkwyk gave the hosts a great start with a 123-run opening stand.

The 18-year-old showed good composure and technique as he batted nine fours and two sixes on his way to a 112-ball 72 during the course of their stand.

This is his maiden first-class half-century.

His partner, Senokwane, was even more circumspect. The opener faced 126 deliveries for his 63 runs.

Unfortunately for the Titans, both batters were dismissed within five overs of each other and the hosts had to rebuild from scratch.

The Titans looked in danger of squandering a good start when they lost Keegan Petersen and Lhuan-dre Pretorius shortly after Senokwane and Van Schalkwyk; however, Rivaldo Moonsamy stood tall with a third half-century of the innings to set the hosts back on track.

Lutho Sipamla was the standout bowler for the Lions with a brace of wickets for 41 runs in 18 overs.

Delano Potgieter also bagged two wickets, but was slightly more expensive. He had an economy of 4.22, having conceded 59 runs in 14 overs.

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Gqeberha: Glenton Stuurman registered his 10th four-wicket haul as he helped Goldrush Boland bowl the Dafabet Warriors out for 157, before Gavin Kaplan cantered to a great half-century as the visitors put 129-2 runs.

Boland trails the Warriors by 28 runs with eight wickets in hand.

The visitors, who lost the toss and were asked to bowl first, made the best use of the conditions as they worked their way into a position of strength.

Stuurman, who finished the innings with four wickets for 83 runs in 16 overs, ensured that the Warriors did not have a good start by dismissing Mohammad Manack, Jordan Hermann, and Matthew Breetzke for a combined 16 runs.

Modiri Litheko top-scored for the Warriors with a patient 39 from 82 deliveries. Unfortunately, no other Warriors batter reached the 30-run mark, while only Thomas Kaber and Patrick Kruger were the only other two to score more than 20 runs.

Gavin Kaplan showed the hosts how it is done on their own turf with a brilliant unbeaten 59 from 88 balls to steer the visitors to the close of play without much damage to their wicket column.

He was with Aviwe Mgijima (39*) at stumps.

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Cape Town: Rubin Hermann rescued the Eastvaal Renault Dragons’ innings with a brilliant century to lead the visitors to 259-5 at stumps when they went up against WSB Western Province at Newlands.

The Dragons were in dire straits when Hermann walked out to bat. They were on 13-3 after 7.4 overs, and in need of someone to rebuild and consolidate.

The left-hander did just that with a sensational 168-ball 143. This is Hermann’s maiden first-class century.

Hermann shared a 74-run fourth-wicket partnership with Meeka-eel Prince before he took charge of scoring in his 129-run fifth-wicket stand with Ruan de Swardt.

The left-hander was eventually dismissed when he edged a Mihlali Mpongwana delivery to Daniel Smith behind the stumps.

Ruan de Swardt (43*) and Dian Forrester (27*) did well to see the visitors to stumps without further loss of wickets.

Beuran Hendricks did most of the damage for Western Province with the ball, bagging four wickets for 66 runs in 18 overs.

Mihlali Mpongwana was the only other wicket-taker with a single wicket for 73 runs in 11 overs.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins comfortably forced a draw on the final day of their CSA 4-Day Series match against the DP World Lions at a sunny Kingsmead on Saturday.

On the tamest of pitches, a run-stuffed draw was always going to be the favoured result and so it proved as the players shook hands at tea with the Dolphins on 317 for three in their second innings, an overall lead of 86.

The Dolphins began the day on 27 without loss, an overall deficit of 203. They began well with openers Tshepo Dithole and Romashan Pillay scoring freely to put on 174 for the opening wicket in 39.4 overs. The partnership was broken just before lunch when Pillay was bowled by a Delano Potgieter delivery that kept a little low although the batter was caught on the crease instead of playing forward. After a rough start to his new position as opener with two ducks in three innings, Pillay certainly proved his worth with an elegant 94 in 125 balls (12x4s, 3x6s).

There was more excitement for the visitors after lunch when Codi Yusuf, in an aggressive spell, sent back Dithole for 85 (126 balls, 13x4s, 1x6) and Bryce Parsons for a golden duck, both caught behind by wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen. And if Khaya Fakuda had been able to cling on to a chance at short midwicket offered by Slade van Staden in the same over, the door might have opened even wider for the visitors.

But the Dolphins’ brief wobble was quickly settled by Van Staden and Khaya Zondo who continued to play positively, combining for an unbroken century partnership that took the home side to 317 for three at tea, an overall lead of 86. Van Staden finished with 77 (86 balls, 15x4s) and Zondo 50 (72 balls, 8x4s, 1x6) as the players shook hands.

Throughout the match, there was the off-field sound of drilling as Kingsmead prepared for the installation of its new state-of-the-art LED floodlights for next year’s ICC World Cup; on-field, however, the dominant sound was the deep melodious crack of the ball hitting the middle of the bat. A total of 1325 runs were plundered for the loss of only 20 wickets on the flattest of pitches under cloudless skies. The Lions made a headline contribution, scoring a massive 619 for seven declared in their only innings – a franchise record at Kingsmead – that included a national seventh-wicket partnership record of 330 from player of the match Esterhuizen (203) and Delano Potgieter (169*) who both struck their highest first-class scores.

The other century was scored by Dithole, who nearly doubled up in the second innings. Nevertheless, the little left-hander has scored two hundreds and two half-centuries in his last four innings. Others to impress were Joshua Richards (72) and Dominic Hendricks (55) for the Lions and Hanu Viljoen (63) for the Dolphins.

The bowlers had far fewer fond memories with debutant left-arm spinner Tshepo Potsane showing some promise in the Dolphins’ first innings with figures of 3/72 although he had a reality check in the second knock with 0/102 in 19 overs. Dolphins’ skipper Keshav Maharaj, unsurprisingly, was the best spinner on view with figures of 3/105 in 49 overs.

Overall the bland pitch proved too much of a hurdle for a positive result with the Dolphins claiming 12.30 points (draw 6, batting points 4.3 and bowling points 2) while the Lions got 12.16 (draw 6, batting 4.16, bowling 2).

In a match of some predictability, an unusual occurrence was a Durban match in spring uninterrupted by either rain or bad light.

DP World Lions’ batters Connor Esterhuizen and Delano Potgieter pulverised the Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ bowlers at a steaming Kingsmead, setting a national first-class partnership record of 330 for the seventh wicket on the third day of their CSA 4-Day Series match in Durban on Friday.

The Lions declared their first innings on 619 for seven – an overall lead of 230 and a record total at Kingsmead in the franchise era – leaving the Dolphins eight overs to bat out before the close. Tshepang Dithole and Ramashan Pillay duly achieved this as they made sure they survived into the final day with the Dolphins needing a further 203 to avoid an innings defeat.

Esterhuizen, fresh from his debut century of 175 against Western Province at Newlands last week, struck 27 fours and two sixes in his first double-century, 203, in 332 balls. In all, he batted for a shade under six and a half hours for his runs. He looked well organised, hitting the bad ball with great power. Most importantly perhaps, he looked strong mentally, hungry for runs but prepared to bide his time if necessary.

The powerful Potgieter, well known for his magnificent 155 to help win the 4-Day Series final in 2023 against Western Province, struck his fifth first-class hundred, his highest score to date, finishing on 169 in 238 balls, including 13x4s and 6x6s. Interestingly, Potgieter beat his own national record for the seventh wicket, having established it (301) with Bjorn Fortuin for the Lions against the Warriors in Potchefstroom in 2018/19.

The left-handed Potgieter came to the wicket early in the morning session after nightwatchman Lutho Sipamla, having struck a couple of elegant boundaries, left a delivery from Okuhle Cele that cut back to trim his off stump.

That was the first of only two wickets that the battered Dolphins took the whole day, with the second being that of Esterhuizen, bowled sweeping at Parsons after he had reached his double-ton.

The pair were disciplined and remorseless in their pursuit of runs, punishing the bad balls (of which there were plenty) and defending the good ones. Both men pushed the accelerator pedal in the latter part of the final session as they looked to extend their team’s overall lead as quickly as possible.

The Dolphins’ bowlers learned a hard lesson or two on a flat pitch under a hot sun with the north-east wind blowing in from the sea – a sure sign that it would be a batting day. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj gained plaudits for bowling an epic 49 overs on an unsympathetic surface, taking 3-105, an indication, at the very least, that he is fit for test cricket.

The remainder of the Dolphins’ bowlers would have gained valuable experience from a very hard day at the coalface, not least the realisation that disciplined line and length is a necessity on flat pitches where easy wickets are not readily available.

SCORES:

Dolphins 389 all out (Dithole 104, Viljoen 63; Potsane 3-72). Lions 619 for seven dec (Esterhuizen 203, Potgieter 169*, Richards 72, Hendricks 55; Maharaj 3-105).

Joshua Richards struck a blistering 72 in 93 balls as the DP World Lions replied with 229 for five wickets – 160 runs in arrears – in their first innings after they had dismissed the Hollywoodbets Dolphins for 389 shortly before lunch on the second day of their CSA 4-Day Series match at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.

The day finished with the match nicely poised with the Dolphins perhaps a shade ahead after they took the late wicket of Richard Seletswane. The 20-year-old, playing in only his second first-class match, had played a mature innings to reach 49 just before the close, needing just one scoring shot to record his debut first-class 50. Sadly for the youngster, he allowed his emotions to get the better of him. Having almost run out his partner, Connor Estherhuizen, he lost patience against the metronomic spin of Keshav Maharaj, had a wild slog and skied the ball to Tristan Luus at cover.

Indeed, it was Maharaj who was largely responsible for pegging back the Lions after Richards gave his team a sizzling start with a succession of superb, attacking strokes, assisted by some loose bowling from the Dolphins’ pacemen who bowled both sides of the wicket and two lengths – too full or too short.

Assisted by the ever-dependable Dom Hendricks, Richards slammed 10 fours and two sixes as he dominated a century opening stand with his captain. He looked set for a quickfire century before he was bowled by a superb ball from paceman Eathan Bosch that slanted into him before straightening to hit his off-stump.

His dismissal signalled a change of momentum in favour of the home side. Khaya Fakude was quickly dismissed, edging Maharaj to Bosch at slip and then Luus, who suffered some early punishment, got his revenge when he had Hendricks caught behind by wicketkeeper Hanu Viljoen for a solid 55 (98 balls, 7x4s).

🟡⚪️Day 2 | Stumps

Another good day's cricket comes to a close in Durban for our players👍🌊

🐬Dolphins 389/10 (1st innings)
🦁DP World Lions 229/5 (1st Innings)

We trail by 160 runs going into day 3 tomorrow, with lots to play for.#DPWorldLionsCricket#LegacyOfChampions… pic.twitter.com/pEeHzjQ9Ky

— DP World Lions (@DPWorldLions) October 9, 2025

A rapid rate of scoring at more than four runs to the over then slowed significantly as Maharaj, in particular, required careful attention from the batters. Mitchell van Buuren built his innings slowly but was undone by Maharaj just before the evening drinks break, beaten through the air by a drifting delivery that he edged to Bosch at slip.

Esterhuizen, coming off his 175 against Western Province last week, looked full of confidence, and it seemed that he and Seletswane would survive to the close. It was not to be.

Maharaj was the Dolphins’ outstanding bowler, claiming 3-53 in 31 overs of nuanced, disciplined spin bowling on a pitch that remained good for batting. If nothing else, he showed that he was physically and mentally ready for South Africa’s second test against Pakistan later this month.

EARLY BLOWS

Earlier, the Dolphins resumed on their overnight total of 306 for six but lost both Bosch and Viljoen in the opening half-hour. Bosch (36) was the first to go after playing some splendidly timed drives, caught and bowled by debutant left-arm spinner Sipho Potsane, who took a good low catch when the batter drilled a low drive back at him. Viljoen followed him shortly afterwards, leg before to Codi Yusuf, although the batter looked unhappy with the decision. Nevertheless, he had done his team proud, having struck nine fours in his 136-ball innings.

The Dolphins looked in danger of falling short of 350, but skipper Maharaj teamed up with last man Okuhle Cele to add 46 for the last wicket with Maharaj striking an attractive unbeaten 43 (52 balls, 6x4s, 1x6) before Cele was well caught at slip by Hendricks off the bowling of part-time legspinner Van Buuren.

The Lions bowled with guts and good discipline for much of the Dolphins’ innings, with left-arm spinner Potsane showing promise with figures of 3-72 off 20 overs.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins opener Tshepang Dithole struck his second century in consecutive matches to lead his team to 302 for six wickets at the close of the opening day of their CSA 4-Day Series match against the DP World Lions at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

Dolphins’ skipper Keshav Maharaj won the toss and understandably chose to bat first on a flat pitch on a glorious sunny day. Despite the odds favouring the batters, the Lions’ bowlers stuck to their task well, bowling wicket to wicket for the most part and rarely giving their opponents easy runs. In view of the conditions, the visitors could claim their fair share of the day’s honours.

Indeed, they started particularly well with Beyers Swanepoel trapping Romashan Pillay leg before for a duck in the second over, the ball tracking back to hit him on the front pad. Pillay, newly promoted to open the batting, has had a rough start to his tenure, suffering a first-baller in Paarl.

Dithole, full of confidence after scoring a century and a half-century in the Dolphins’ victory over Boland the previous week, batted fluently, driving particularly well through the covers, and he dominated a fifty partnership with Slade van Staden before the latter was well caught in the gully, driving loosely at Delano Potgieter.

BACK TO BACK 100s FOR TSHEPANG DITHOLE 🤩🙌

Hollywoodbets Dolphins superstar, Tshepang Dithole brings up his second century in as many matches in the 4-Day Series off just 175 balls at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium 🤩🙌

Dithole started the 4-Day series with a brilliant 116… pic.twitter.com/FO9RrSqA1G

— Dolphins Cricket (@DolphinsCricket) October 8, 2025

Dithole and Bryce Parsons took the total to 109 at lunch and took their partnership to 102 in 212 balls in the afternoon before Parsons (42) drove loosely at a wide one from Lutho Sipamla immediately after the drinks break, falling to a fine low catch from Lions’ skipper Dom Hendricks in the slips.

Dithole reached his seventh first-class century before falling to promising left-arm spinner Sipho Potsane, on debut, driving him somewhat carelessly to mid-off where Richard Seletswane took a good low catch. The diminutive left-hander, in a rich vein of form, struck 19 fours in his 104 in 185 balls.

The experienced Khaya Zondo and wicketkeeper-batter Hanu Viljoen settled the innings down, adding 70 for the fifth wicket before Zondo (45) was bowled by Swanepoel in the first over of the second new ball, the ball ripping through his defences. The new cherry provided another wicket for the Lions, with debutant Semal Pillay bowled by Potgieter with a delivery that kept a little low.

That was the end of the Lions’ successes with the ice-cool Viljoen striking eight fours in his unbeaten 57 in 113 balls, accompanied by Eathan Bosch (12*). The pair added 26 to take the Dolphins to their final total.

The Lions’ pacemen had a hard day in the sun, but never stopped running in and bowling with good discipline on an unfriendly surface. Swanepoel was the pick of them, claiming 2-37 in 20 overs. Potgieter also took two wickets while Sipamla and Potsane took one apiece.

Score: Dolphins 306 for 6 in 97 overs.

Despite losing captain Marques Ackerman to injury, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins will have a more than handy fill-in when Keshav Maharaj leads the team against the DP World Lions in the 4-Day Series starting on Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.

Ackerman picked up an ankle injury during a warm-up session at Boland Park last week and was ruled out of the Dolphins second innings with the bat. The Dolphins eventually coasted to a five wicket win over Boland; however they now face the defending champion Lions in match two.

It is a quick turn-around for the Dolphins who returned to Durban on Monday and start again on Wednesday. Coach Quinton Friend says it's all about player management with just two days between fixtures.

"The boys had a recovery morning on Tuesday followed by a top-up practice, not too hectic," Friend said. "This was just to try and keep us fresh come Wednesday.

"These are the challenges that we have to face in this competition and it's going to be tough on the boys, but I think we've prepared mentally for this.

"It's important to keep continuity in the team but we need to also be smart, especially from a bowling point of view. We need to work out how we can keep these guys fresh for these four games."

The Dolphins will be excited to welcome an international star like Keshav Maharaj back into the side for the clash. Friend says that he brings professionalism and good energy to the squad when he plays.

"It's lovely to have Kesh around, he brings a really good energy to the group, and his experience will be massive for us.

"The important thing for us to find a way to get his leadership to help pull the team through and get the team playing good, consistent cricket for the four days coming up," Friend added.

The Dolphins and the Lions played out to a draw in their clash last season with weather interrupting what was shaping up to be a fascinating clash.

Friend understands that the Lions are a strong side, however he knows his Dolphins side are in good form going into the clash starting on Wednesday.

"The Lions are a good side. They are well drilled and well coached so it's going to be important for us to exploit some sort of weakness that we can find within the Lions team.

"It's going to be a really tough game and at the end of the day if you want to be in the top two of this competition then you have to beat the best.

"I think it's going to be a well-matched, even contest and we need to make sure that we focus on the skills and execution that will help give us a positive result come Saturday afternoon," Friend mentioned.

There are a few additions to the Dolphins squad for this week's clash with youngsters Gomolemo Phiri, Nqobani Mokoena, Semal Pillay and Slade van Staden coming into the squad with the injured Ackerman and the Namibia-bound trio of Jason Smith, Ottniel Baartman and Andile Simelane all absent from the squad.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad v DP World Lions

Tristan Luus, Khaya Zondo, Semal Pillay, Tshepang Dithole, Eathan Bosch, Aryan Gopalan, Bryce Parsons, Nqobani Mokoena, Keshav Maharaj (c), Okuhle Cele, Romashan Pillay, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Gomolemo Phiri, Slade Van Staden.

Potchefstroom: A fighting century from Keegan Petersen wasn’t enough to save the Momentum Multiply Titans from a heavy 196 run defeat on the final day of their CSA 4-Day series clash against the Eastvaal Renault NW Dragons at the JB Marks Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Overall, the Titans were completely outplayed by the Dragons, as the hosts twice declared their batting efforts, and bowled the visitors out twice to secure a well-deserved thumping win in the end.

The Titans resumed on the morning on day four on 31/2, needing a highly unlikely 424 more runs to win the match, while it was also going to be tough to try and save a draw, and so it proved as only Petersen, and a half century from Dayyaan Galiem delayed the inevitable.

Petersen finished unbeaten on 119 off 220 balls (12x4; 2x6), while Galiem scored 64 off 98 (8x4; 1x6), while it was an all-round bowling effort from the Dragons, as four bowlers picked up two wickets.

The day began with the Titans losing Sibonelo Makhanya (14), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (9) and Donovan Ferreira (7) all out cheaply, as they tumbled to 64/5.

That brought Galiem in to join Petersen, and they combined for a fighting 126-run sixth wicket stand, to take them past lunch and into the afternoon session.

Achille Cloete eventually made the breakthrough, having Galiem caught behind by keeper Rubin Hermann, followed by a quick double strike from Wihan Lubbe as he bowled Andile Phehlukwayo (5) and trapped Gerald Coetzee LBW for a second ball duck, with them crashing to 198/8.

Although on the verge of the win the Dragons were made to work for the last two wickets, as Junior Dala (18) stuck around for 77 balls, in a 59-run ninth wicket partnership with Petersen, before they finally ran out of steam.

Dragons: 491/8 declared (Meeka-Eel Prince 142, Dian Forrester 94, Wihan Lubbe 75, Rubin Hermann 69; Schalk Engelbracht 4/179, Donovan Ferreira 2/101)

Titans: 262 (Donovan Ferreira 71, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 70; Onke Nyaku 3/40, Wihan Lubbe 2/23, Alfred Mothoa 2/58)

Dragons: 225/6 declared (Lesiba Ngoepe 99, Wihan Lubbe 91; Schalk Engelbrecht 3/63, Gerald Coetzee 2/26)

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Titans: 258 (Keegan Petersen 119no, Dayyaan Galiem 64; Wihan Lubbe 2/12, Dian Forrester 2/24, Achille Cloete 2/28, Onke Nyaku 2/36)

Paarl: Half centuries from Bryce Parsons, Tshepang Dithole and Jason Smith helped the Hollywoodbets Dolphins cruise to a comfortable five wicket win over Goldrush Boland just after lunch on the final day of play at the Boland Stadium on Sunday.

The visitors went into the final day of play on 49/1 in their second innings, needing a tricky 214 more to win, but they made it look easy in the end thanks to Parsons, 63 off 110 balls (4x4), Dithole, 60 off 109 (7x4) and Smith, 54 off 88 (4x4; 2x6).

Dithole was arguably the start of the match, backing up his first innings century with a good fifty in the second, while other impressive performances in the game included Pieter Malan’s 150, and young Tristan Luus’ seven wickets over two innings.

On the final morning Dithole and Eathan Bosch (34) resumed their innings and promptly extended their second wicket partnership to 83 runs, taking their side past 100.

Aya Gqamane then made the breakthrough, having Bosch caught behind by keeper Clyde Reeves-Fortuin, before Dithole was eventually out, caught by Akhona Mnyaka off the bowling of Aviwe Mgijima, with the score 140/3.

The defining stand followed between Parsons and Smith, as they combined for 95 runs to make the game safe.

Both fell towards the end of the chase, Smith edging Malan to Reeves-Fortuin, while Mgijima and Mnyaka teamed up again to get rid of Parsons, but by then it was too little to late and they easily cruised over the line.

Boland: 156 (Lehan Botha 45, Glenton Stuurman 27; Tristan Luus 4/42, Ottniel Baartman 3/19)

Dolphins: 346 (Tshepang Dithole 116, Khaya Zondo 61; Glenton Stuurman 4/46)

Boland: 452 (Pieter Malan 157, Grant Roelofsen 67, Gavin Kaplan 67; Ethan Bosch 3/60, Tristan Luus 3/102)

Dolphins: 264/5 (Bryce Parsons 63, Tshepang Dithole 60, Jason Smith 54; Aviwe Mgijima 2/37)

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Pietermaritzburg: The Mootheeram Tuskers and Dafabet Warriors saw their weather disrupted match end in an almost inevitable draw on day four at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on Sunday.

It was almost poetic that rain had the final say on the final day, chasing the players from the field in the final session with the Tuskers on 136/4, still needing 89 runs to win in what could have been an exciting finish to the match.

But instead, the bad weather that had plagued the opening two days of play returned, with the captains shaking hands on the draw soon after.

The final day was largely dominated by the batsmen, as Matthew Breetzke scored and unbeaten century and Matthew de Villiers a fifty for the Warriors, while Malcolm Nofal scored a half century for the Tuskers.

The Warriors resumed their second innings in the morning on 157/3, with Breetzke, 101no off 219 balls (8x4; 1x6), and De Villiers, 52 off 119 (5x4), extending their fourth wicket partnership to 87 runs, as they neared the 200-run mark.

Ziyaad Abrahams then made the breakthrough, having De Villiers caught behind by keeper Cameron Shekleton, with the score 196/4, which soon became 229/6 as they lost two more wickets.

Breetzke received support from Thomas Kaber (21no), in an unbeaten 40-run stand, that allowed him to reach his hundred, followed by them promptly declaring.

Set 274 to win with less than two sessions remaining, Nofal, 59 off 105 (11x4) tried to keep his side in the hunt, sharing in a 33-run opening stand with Kagiso Rapulana (16), 41 with Mohammad Bulbulia (17), and 36 with Erlank.

When he fell, caught by Jordan Hermann off the bowling of Wesley Bedja, with the score was 110/4, the game was still in the balance, and it was rain after tea that then had the final say.

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Warriors: 140 (Thomas Kaber 50no, Aphiwe Mnyanda 37; Daryn Dupavillion 4/28, Hardus Viljoen 3/25)

Tuskers: 185 (Cameron Shekleton 59no; Matthew Boast 5/52, Kerwin Mungroo 4/43)

Warriors: 269/6 declared (Matthew Breetzke 101no, Muhammad Manack 59, Matthew de Villers 52; Sean Gilson 2/91)

Tuskers: 136/4 (Malcolm Nofal 59, Michael Erlank 25no; Wesley Bedja 3/31)

Cape Town:

The DP World Lions produced a thoroughly clinical performance to claim a crushing innings and 134 run win over World Sports Betting Western Province with a day to spare in their CSA 4-day series match at WSB Newlands on Saturday.

A career-best batting performance from Connor Esterhuizen, who converted his maiden first class century on day two into a big 175 off 260 (22x4; 5x6), helped his team declare on 552/9, giving them a massive lead of 359 runs.

Another solid all round bowling performance followed, with Kwena Maphaka the pick of the lot claiming 3/26, as Province crumbled for a low score again, this time all out for 225 to fall well short in the end.

Allrounder Evan Jones also played a big part in the Lions win, and he was again prevalent on the day, scoring 76 off 86 (7x4; 3x6) with the bat, and then picking up two wickets with the ball, to go with his four wickets in Province’s first innings.

The day began with Esterhuizen and Jones resuming with the Lions on 393/6, and they batted with authority to take their team over the 500 run mark and extend their seventh wicket partnership 160 runs.

Province spinner Kyle Simmonds, who was the pick of the lot with figures of 3/155, then accounted for both batters within five overs as they slipped to 520/8, with Beyers Swanepoel hitting two fours and a six in his quick 23 off 16 to boost them over the 550 mark.

Province’s second innings featured a number of batters getting starts, but none able to kick on as regular wickets kept them pinned back, eventually seeing them all out.

Jiveshan Pillay top scored with 46 off 83 (3x4; 2x6), and Simmonds cracked a swashbuckling 43 off 27 (7x4; 1x6), while one batter got into the 30s, one into the 20s and four others into double figures.

On the bowling front Maphaka was backed up by Lutho Sipamla, Jones, and Swanepoel who all picked up two scalps each.

Western Province: 193 (Daniel Smith 102, Tshepo Moreki 46; Evan Jones 4/58, Kwena Maphaka 2/32, Beyers Swanepoel, 2/52)

Lions: 552/9 (Connor Esterhuizen 175, Mitchell van Buuren 126, Evan Jones 76, Dominic Hendricks 53; Kyle Simmonds 3/155, Dane Paterson 2/47)

Western Province 225 (Jiveshan Pillay 46, Kyle Simmonds 43; Kwena Maphaka 3/26, Lutho Sipamla 2/21)

Paarl:

A big century from opener Pieter Malan has given Goldrush Boland a real chance heading into the final day against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, after the visitors reached the close of play on day three on 49/1 in their second innings, needing 214 more runs to win the match.

Malan’s 157 off 308 balls (19x4) spearheaded the hosts recovery second innings of 452 all out, that set the visitors a tricky 263 to win, having to negotiate a tough late afternoon final session, which they did relatively well, as well as what should be an entertaining final day.

Boland resumed in the morning on a solid 199/1, with Malan, who was unbeaten on 95 overnight, soon bringing up a well deserved hundred.

Along with Gavin Kaplan, 67 off 118 (9x4), they batted their team into a great position, as they extended their second wicket stand to 149 runs, before Bryce Parsons made the breakthrough, having Kaplan caught by Eathan Bosch with the score 290/2.

Malan was eventually the fourth wicket to fall, caught behind by keeper Hanu Viljoen off the bowling of Ottniel Baartman, with the score 340/4, and it took a number of cameos to get them to their final total, with Aviwe Mgijima (26), Lehan Botha (26) and Ferisco Adams (22), all out in their 20s.

Bosch, 3/60, was the pick of the bowlers, while Tristan Luus also claimed three wickets, to add to the four he picked up in Boland’s first innings.

Romashan Pillay (16) was the only Dolphins wicket to fall in their second innings so far, with Glenton Stuurman having him caught by Mgijima, while opener Tshepang Dithole (21no) and makeshift nightwatchman Bosch (9no) will resume on the final morning.

Boland: 156 (Lehan Botha 45, Glenton Stuurman 27; Tristan Luus 4/42, Ottniel Baartman 3/19)

Dophins 346 (Tshepang Dithole 116, Khaya Zondo 61; Glenton Stuurman 4/46)

Boland 452 (Pieter Malan 157, Grant Roelofsen 67, Gavin Kaplan 67; Ethan Bosch 3/60, Tristan Luus 3/102)

Dolphins 49/1 (Tshepang Dithole 21no; Glenton Stuurman 1/21)

Potchefstroom:

An action packed day that saw 364 runs scored and 14 wickets fall, ended with the Momentum Multiply Titans on 31/2 in their second innings, needing an unlikely 424 more runs to win the match against the Eastvaal Renault NW Dragons at the JB Marks Oval.

The Dragons are clearly in the driving seat and will be confident of clinching a win, or at worst a draw on Sunday’s final day, as it would take a monumental batting effort from the visitors and disastrous bowling performance from the hosts, to see the men from Pretoria win from this position.

The highlights on the day were 70s from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Donovan Ferreira, 90s from Lesiba Ngoepe and Wihan Lubbe, and three wickets each from Onke Nyaku and Schalk Engelbrecht.

The Titans started the day on 153/4 in their second innings, with Ferreira and Pretorius resuming their fifth wicket partnership, which they extended to 113 runs, to push their team over the 200 run mark.

Ferreira, 71 off 56 balls (9x4; 2x6), was then first to fall on the day, edging Achille Cloete to keeper Rubin Hermann, and was followed soon after by Dayyaan Galiem (2), bowled by Ruan de Swardt, as they slipped to 217/6.

Pretorius, 70 off 96 (11x4), added 35 with Andile Phehlukwayo (23), but was the seventh wicket to fall, bowled by Nyaku, and sparked a crash as their final four wickets fell for just 10 runs.

The Dragons second innings was a quickfire one as they eventually declared on 225/6 in the 45th over.

Ngoepe at the top of the order was desperately unlucky to miss out on a century, with him bowled by Engelbrecht on 99 off 124 (12x4), while Lubbe was bowled by Ferreira for a run-a-ball 91 (11x4; 3x6), with their 160-run third wicket partnership producing the lions share of their runs.

The Titans then had to negotiate a tricky few overs at the end of the day and lost both openers, Lesego Senokwane (3) caught by Raynard van Tonder off De Swardt, and Jorich van Schalkwyk (9) trapped LBW by Nyaku, as they crashed to 13/2.

Keegan Petersen (5no) and Sibonelo Makhanya (13no) will now resumed on the final morning and try help them save the match.

Dragons: 491/8 declared (Meeka-Eel Prince 142, Dian Forrester 94, Wihan Lubbe 75, Rubin Hermann 69; Schalk Engelbracht 4/179, Donovan Ferreira 2/101)

Titans: 262 (Donovan Ferreira 71, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 70; Onke Nyaku 3/40, Wihan Lubbe 2/23, Alfred Mothoa 2/58)

Dragons: 225/6 (Lesiba Ngoepe 99, Wihan Lubbe 91; Schalk Engelbrecht 3/63, Gerald Coetzee 2/26)

Titans: 31/2 (Sibonelo Makhanya (13no); Ruan de Swardt 1/5, Onke Nyaku 1/6)

Pietermaritzburg:

The weather affected encounter between the Mootheeram Tuskers and the Dafabet Warriors remained firmly in the balance as the visitors reached stumps on day three on 157/3 in their second innings, holding a 112 run lead over the hosts.

The first two days only saw 92 overs of play possible due to bad light and rain, but day three was able to see a full complement of overs bowled which set up a possible result going into the final day.

Five-wicket haul for Matthew Boast and four wickets for Kerwin Mungroo were the highlights for the visiting bowlers, while Cameron Shekleton hit an important half century for the Tuskers, before the Warriors batters hit back with half centuries to Muhammad Manack and Matthew Breetzke.

The Tuskers resumed their second innings in the morning on 108/6 and were grateful to Shekleton, 59no off 157 balls (5x4) and Ntando Zuma, 21 off 57 (2x4), as they extended their seventh wicket stand to 52 runs, which crucially pushed them past the Warriors first innings total.

It was then the Mungroo and Boast show as they picked up two wickets each to bowl the Tuskers out for 185, with Shekleton batting through with the tail, including adding a potentially important 25 runs with last man Ziyaad Abrahams (11).

The Warriors second innings got off to a poor start, with Modiri Litheko (2) run out, and Jordan Hermann (15) bowled by Sean Gilson, which left them in trouble on 20/2.

But two top partnerships then followed, of 89 between Manack, 59 off 142 (8x4) and Breetzke, 50no off 155 (5x4), and an unbeaten 47 between Breetzke and Matthew de Villiers, 30no off 72 (3x4), which brought them right back into the game and gave them a decent lead to take into day four.

If the weather continues to play its part, both teams will have a chance of winnings on the final day, but will need a blinding performance from someone to pull it off.

Warriors: 140 (Thomas Kaber 50no, Aphiwe Mnyanda 37; Daryn Dupavillion 4/28, Hardus Viljoen 3/25)

Tuskers: 185 (Cameron Shekleton 59no; Matthew Boast 5/52, Kerwin Mungroo 4/43)

Warriors 157/3 (Muhammad Manack 59, Matthew Breetzke 50no; Hardus Viljoen 1/21)

After a strong first day of their 2025/26 season, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins are hoping to continue that form on day two of their 4-Day Series clash with Goldrush Boland at Boland Park.

The Dolphins were made to bowl first on Thursday as the home side opted for first strike in their home conditions and the Dolphins bowlers too advantage of this to dominate from the outset.

Okuhle Cele dismissed the dangerous Grant Roelofsen early to set the tone and the Dolphins continued to pick up wickets regularly.

The returning Ottniel Baartman found his rhythm early with the red ball as he stood out on day one with 3/19 from eleven overs.

The Dolphins seamers ripped through the top and middle order of Boland with Baartman, Cele and the impressive Tristan Luus accounting for nine of the wickets to fall.

Luus, who made his first class debut for the Dolphins in the final match of last season, was the best of the Dolphins bowlers picking up 4/42 in just over ten overs.

The young speedster picked up the wicket of the in-form Gavin Kaplan for 20 before helping to finish off the Boland innings as the Dolphins bowled the hosts out for 156.

One of the important wickets Luus picked up was that of Glenton Stuurman for 27.

Cele finished with 2/49 and bagged the important wickets of Roelofsen and Aya Gqamane who threatened to get going down the order.

In reply, the Dolphins lost Romashan Pillay off the first ball of their innings before Marques Ackerman and Tshepang Dithole steadied things to put on 53 for the second wicket.

Ackerman was dismissed for a useful and entertaining 35 off 43 balls, while Dithole continued to his fourteenth first class half century with Bryce Parsons providing important support.

Parsons was the third wicket to fall for 45 bringing to end a partnership of 124 runs. At the loss of the Parsons wicket the Dolphins were 177 for three, leading by 21 runs.

At the end of the day the Dolphins lost the wicket of Jason Smith for two.

Dithole will start day two on 78 not and will be joined at the crease by Khaya Zondo with the Dolphins 185 for four leading by 29 runs.

SUMMARY OF SCORE

1st Innings

Goldrush Boland 156 all out (L Botha 45* T Luus 4/42 O Baartman 3/19)

Hollywoodbets Dolphins 185/4 (T Dithole 78* B Parsons 45 M Ackerman 35)

Dolphins lead by 29 runs

DP World Lions allrounder Evan Jones led an impressive team bowling performance that saw his side reach the close of play in a strong position, with them 92 for two at stumps, having bowled World Sports Betting Western Province out for 193 in their first innings at WSB Newlands on Thursday.

Jones finished with solid figures of 4-58 in 12.1 overs, and was ably assisted by Beyers Swanepoel, 2-52, and Kwena Maphaka, 2-32, while Lutho Sipamla, 1-37, and Bjorn Fortuin, 1-3, also picked up a scalp each.

It was a dismal batting scorecard for the hosts, with just three batters getting into double figures, and they will be especially grateful for the effort of Daniel Smith, who struck an impressive 102 off just 91 balls, hammering 18 boundaries along the way.

Opener Edward Moore hit 19 off 18 (3x4), but Jones, Swanepoel and Maphaka did the early damage, reducing Province to 80 for seven in the 18th over.

Smith then finally received some assistance from No 9 batter Tshepo Moreki, as he stuck in and scored an important 46 off 90 balls (5x4; 1x6), during an 88-run eighth-wicket partnership, to help them get close to 200.

The Lions' innings was then anchored by veteran opener Dominic Hendricks, 48no off 140 balls (7x4), as they slowly made their way to the close of play in a strong position.

Opener Joshua Richards (7) was pinned LBW early by Dane Paterson, with the score 14 for one, before Reeza Hendricks (22) joined his namesake, and they shared in a painfully slow 54-run partnership off 24.3 overs.

Reeza’s wicket, caught by George Linde off the bowling of Jody Lawrence, brought in nightwatchman Sipamla, and he did his job perfectly, scoring four off 39 balls, as they saw out the rest of the day.

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DOLPHINS END DAY ONE ON TOP OF BOLAND AFTER ALL-ROUND SHOWING

An all-round showing from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins saw them end day one well on top of Goldrush Boland, reaching the close of play on 185 for four in their first innings, for a lead of 29 runs at Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday.

Batting first, the hosts were skittled all out for 156, thanks largely to the efforts of young Tristan Luus, 4-42, Ottniel Baartman, 3-19, and Okuhle Cele, 2-49.

Dolphins opener Tshepang Dithole led the batting effort, finishing the day unbeaten on 78no off 133 balls (6x4), and he will resume on day two with Khaya Zondo, who is yet to score.

In the Boland innings, several batsmen got starts, but couldn’t kick on, as middle order batter Lehan Botha top scored with an unbeaten 45 off 75 balls (9x4).

Luus and Baartman were the chief destroyers early in the innings, claiming three wickets apiece, while Luus also effected a run out, leaving the hosts in deep trouble on 66 for seven after 23 overs.

Botha then shared in important stands of 35 with Aya Gqamane (16) and 47 with Glenton Stuurman (27), which helped them get over the 150-run mark.

The Dolphins' innings got off to a poor start as Romashan Pillay edged Stuurman to keeper Clyde Reeves-Fortuin for a first-ball duck.

Dithole then shared in strong partnerships, of 53 with Marques Ackerman (35), and 124 with Bryce Parsons (45), as they steered the visitors past Boland’s score.

A couple of late wickets helped the hosts fight back a bit, as Botha continued his solid day by having Parsons caught by Reeves-Fortuin, and Shaun von Berg bowled Jason Smith (2), as the Dolphins slipped to 182 for four.

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PRINCE CENTURY HELPS DRAGONS TAKE CHARGE OF TITANS ON DAY ONE

A century from the bat of Meeka-Eel Prince, and half centuries from Wihan Lubbe and Rubin Hermann, helped the Eastvaal Renault Dragons dominate the opening day against the Momentum Multiply Titans, reaching the close on 342 for five at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

This was the only one of the four 4-Day Series matches around the country that was completely dominated by the batsmen, as the hosts took charge of the game.

It was a brilliant effort from opener Prince, who seemed to pull his hamstring in the fifth over, when taking a single, which saw him go off injured on zero, before he returned in the 29th over after the dismissal of Raynard van Tonder. Prince batted out the rest of the day.

He finished unbeaten on 104 off 196 balls (8x4; 3x6), and will resume a 54-run partnership on the morning of day two with Dian Forrester (25no), as they look to hammer home their advantage.

It was a difficult start to the match for the Dragons as soon after Prince went off, his fellow opener Lesiba Ngoepe (17) was first to fall, trapped LBW by Gerald Coetzee.

But Van Tonder (49) and Lubbe, 75 off 104 (11x4; 2x6), steadied the ship with a solid 99-run stand, before Prince and Lubbe added 42, when the captain was removed, caught off the bowling of Dayyaan Galiem with the score 158 for three.

Prince was then joined by Hermann, who struck 69 off 120 (8x4; 1x6) during a 129-run stand, before two quick wickets saw them slip to 288/5, as Schalk Engelbrecht got rid of Hermann, and Donovan Ferreira accounted for Ruan de Swardt for a third-ball duck.

That brought Forrester in, and along with Prince, they safely guided their side to the close, while the opener brought up a well-deserved hundred late in the day.

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TUSKERS DOMINATE WARRIORS ON SHORTENED FIRST DAY

The Mootheeram Tuskers will be frustrated that poor weather slowed their roll, as they reduced the Dafabet Warriors to 90 for seven in their first innings in their match at the Pietermaitzburg Oval on Thursday.

Only 33 overs were possible in a superb morning session for the hosts, before bad light and rain took hold over the entire afternoon session, leading to play ending early.

It was a brilliant all-round bowling effort from the Tuskers, with all of their bowlers keeping things tight, while Darryn Dupavillion was the pick of the lot with top figures of 3-18 in nine overs, while Hardus Viljoen, 2-12, and Sean Gilson, 2-13, backed him up well.

Just three batsmen reached double figures for the Warriors, with Modiri Litheko top-scoring with 30 at the top of the order.

No 7 batter Thomas Kaber (27no) and No 9 batter Aphiwe Mnyanda (15no) are unbeaten at the crease, and will hope to build a strong late innings partnership on day two to try to help their team add as many runs as possible to their first-innings score.

After winning the T20 Challenge and sharing the 4 Day Series title last season, DP World Lions begin their 2025/26 season with an away trip to Cape Town to face WSB Western Province.

Lions were a dominant force in red ball cricket last season finishing at the top of the log before they shared the 4 Day Series title with the Momentum Multiply Titans.

After missing the first round last week, Lions get their campaign underway on Thursday with an eye on a fast start despite some changes to their personnel.

"There have been some changes in our squad because a few of our players that were with us last season have moved up into the Proteas set-up," Lions 4 Day captain Dominic Hendricks said.

"Guys will be going with the Proteas to Pakistan as well as Namibia so we will have some changes in our team, but the core of the squad will remain the same.

“Zubayr (Hamza) and Bjorn (Fortuin) are players that played a big part in our season that will be with the Proteas on their tours so we will be giving squad players opportunities.

"Week on week there will be a couple changes but the squad that we have go together are really excited to get the season going after a busy pre-season."

Coming off a season where they were dominant in the 4 Day Series, Hendricks is hopeful that his team can put in a strong all-round performance throughout the competition and go one better than a shared trophy this season.

"The team is really excited for the 4-Day campaign, and we know that this is the trophy that everyone wants to win and the most difficult one to win because you have to play good cricket over such a long period of time.

"It's seven games, or 28 days of good cricket that have to be played and then a five day final on top of that so it's always high on our list to win this competition.

"Unfortunately, last season we had to share it because we lost a day to conditions so we would love to win it outright this season."

It's important to understand the strengths of a side both on and off the pitch and Hendricks believes that they will play to their strengths.

"Our diversity sets us apart and we have got a lot of different players, and a few guys will be stepping up to the plate and getting opportunities.

"Our batting has stayed consistent over the last few seasons, and we haven't lost too many players to the national team on that front which is a positive for us.

"From a bowling perspective, we have our bases covered nicely and with the addition of Beyers Swanepoel he bowls well in this format and can bat down the order.

"Cody (Yusuf) has shone in the past few seasons with the ball which is another positive for us going into the competition," Hendricks mentioned.

The Lions produced three wins from their seven matches in the Series last season, which was more than any other side.

The goal for all domestic teams is to get players into the Proteas set-up and the Lions will be proud of the efforts of their players. With higher honours being a big part of their success, this season there will be many opportunities for other players to shine.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins begin their 2025/26 season this week with a trip to the Cape Winelands to take on a formidable Goldrush Boland side in the 4 Day Series starting on Thursday.

 

2025/26 SEASON IS HERE 🤩💥

Our Hollywoodbets Dolphins heroes start their 2025/26 season this week as they take on Goldrush Boland in a 4-Day Series match starting on Thursday in Boland.

The Team enjoyed a special moment today receiving their shirts along with an intriguing… pic.twitter.com/f09tInUGuy

— Dolphins Cricket (@DolphinsCricket) September 29, 2025

 

Boland registered a win in their first match of the competition last week against the Momentum Multiply Titans and are a difficult side to play in their home conditions.

In saying this, the Dolphins go into the season with a lot of off-season cricket under their belts with many players involved in the various SA A, SA Emerging and National Academy tours and series that took place over the winter.

Ahead of another exciting season with the Dolphins and at the wheel of the ship, Marques Ackerman believes that his side are as prepared as they could be for the new season to get underway.

“We are in a fortunate position where a lot of guys were away and getting in match practice in different tours and tournaments around the world,” Ackerman said.

“A big group of our guys have played a lot of cricket going into the first game of the season which is a positive thing for us.

“The boys that have been at home have had some pre-season warm-up matches and a T10 competition which has given them a chance to prepare nicely for this week.”

Ackerman, Jason Smith, Okuhle Cele and Tristan Luus all represented the SA ‘A’ side during their recent tour of the West Indies and their home series against New Zealand ‘A’.

Despite having missed the first week of the 4 Day Series last week, Ackerman doesn’t see an issue with missing that first round of fixtures and playing a side who has a game under their belt.

“If anything, we’ll be going into this one with fresher legs and a bit more excited to get the season going.

“We’re not looking much into what Boland have done in their first game but rather focusing on what’s required from us going into this match.”

Last week’s first round match at Boland Park produced a good win for the home side with a lot of runs and some good bowling performances. Ackerman says he can’t glean too much from that and will wait and see what the pitch and conditions are like when they arrive.

“We are not too sure now what we are going to get. As far as we know it could be a used wicket which will change the ball game.

“So, we are just going to get there, assess the conditions and take it from there,” Ackerman added.

The Dolphins have made very few additions to their squad for the new season and have also kept most of their side from last season. It’s an exciting time at the Dolphins because of the opportunities that players will get to stake a claim in the playing eleven.

“We’re a good group of guys and we’ve got a good mix of youth and experience in the side which is important.

“We lose Prenelan (Subrayen) to the Proteas which is amazing for him and that is why we all play the game, but his absence gives someone else an opportunity to stand up and make a mark on this team.”

The Dolphins ended last season’s 4 Day Series in third place behind the Titans and the DP World Lions and were close to securing a spot in the final.

It has been a lean few seasons for the Durban-based side who haven’t qualified for the final of the red ball competition since they were victorious in the 2022/23 season.