The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies begin their Hollywoodbets Pro Series campaign this weekend when they take on the DP World Lions at the DP World Wanderers.

The Dolphins have enjoyed an extensive off-season since June and are ready to hit the ground running in what is going to be another exciting season of action across the Hollywoodbets Pro 50 and Hollywoodbets Pro 20 competitions.

Dolphins head coach Angelique Taai says that the team has been very specific in the areas that they wanted to focus on in the pre-season.

"In June our main focus was getting the fitness levels up to speed and then we have jumped into the areas that we wanted to focus on in the pre-season," Taai said.

"From our analysis of last season, we recognised a few areas focus areas across all departments and have worked on making slight changes to elevate the players' games.

"With the hard work done I can't wait to see them players implement these changes on the field."

The Dolphins had a strong pre-season that included a lot of practice matches which Taai is grateful for.

"We must thank the Union, our CEO as well as Yash (Singh) for helping us have a week-long tour to Potchefstroom with the Dragons and then also having practice matches against Thailand.

"We couldn't have asked for more preparation and game time leading into the season and the team is very excited to get underway," Taai added.

Looking at the upcoming matches against the Lions, Taai isn't feeling any extra pressure facing the defending champions and wants her side to be positive.

"Cricket is unique. It's a new season and everyone starts from scratch. Both these teams - Dolphins and Lions have won a trophy each in the last two seasons." she mentioned. "For us it's about focusing on the basics and letting the result take care of itself.

"We want to stick to our processes, and I think we've covered all our bases going into the season.

"The focus for us is to concentrate on what we need to do and also to become a team that is hard to beat."

The Dolphins squad includes both newcomers to the Dolphins set-up with Miceala Andrews and Asakhe Nyovane both included in the squad travelling to Johannesburg.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad v DP World Lions:

Miceala Andrews, ⁠Nobulumko Baneti, ⁠Alexandra Candler (v/c), ⁠Jade de Figueiredo, ⁠Nicole De Klerk, ⁠Courtney Gounden, ⁠Ayanda Hlubi, ⁠Asamkele Kawu, ⁠Yasmeen Khan, ⁠Seshnie Naidu, ⁠Nosihle Sisanda Ngubane, ⁠Asakhe Nyovane, ⁠Zintle Mali (C), ⁠Kwanga Pinini.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins were crowned One-Day Cup champions on Sunday after clinching what turned out to be a tense four-wicket win over crestfallen Goldrush Boland in front of their fans in Paarl.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are the 2025 #1DayCup champions after a brilliant chase in Paarl 🏆🐬 pic.twitter.com/58WmgtSqG2

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 16, 2025

In what was a relatively low-scoring chase of 248, the visitors lost wickets at key intervals throughout to keep the home side interested as they took the game to the final over where the result was confirmed with five balls to spare.

That Boland took the game so deep was down to two men – Ayabulela Gqamane and Imran Manack – after they combined for a 97-run eighth wicket stand that rescued their side from a precarious 142 for seven to reach 247 for eight.

Both men hit half centuries, the former top-scoring with 69 (77 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and the latter clubbing 50* off 39 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), with captain Clyde Reeves-Fortuin just about holding the early part of the innings together with 54 (64 balls, 1 four)

But veteran opener Jon-Jon Smuts then played a telling contribution for the Durban side, striking a priceless 91 off 111 balls (11 fours) to keep them ahead of the game, with rookie Hanu Viljoen (35* off 48 balls) holding his nerve to finish the job.

The result helped the Dolphins win their first 50-over title since they shared the trophy with the DP World Lions in 2020-21, a year after they won it outright.

They were the superior team for most of the final and took charge from the outset when they won the toss and batted.

Captain Prenelan Subrayen (2-35) opened the bowling and struck with his spin in the third over when he trapped Blayde Capell leg before wicket for two.

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-36) caused similar damage from the other end with his double taking out Gavin Kaplan (6) and Aviwe Mgijima (1). And when Andile Simelane cleaned up Lehan Botha for one, the hosts were in deep trouble at 23 for four in the 12th over.

Reeves-Fortuin and former Dolphins star Grant Roelofsen (41) then began damage control with a 50-run fourth wicket stand, before more wickets put the visitors back in charge at 90 for six.

And when the skipper fell to Tristan Luus (2-32), Boland looked like they would fold quickly. However, Gqamane and Manack had other ideas as they played smartly to lift their side to a competitive 247.

For the home side to challenge, they needed early wickets. They got one when Tshepang Dithole fell to Glenton Stuurman for 11, though that proved their only early success.

Smuts and Bryce Parsons (30) put on 69 for the next wicket, before the latter was removed by Shaun von Berg (1/48) and new man Jason Smith (1) followed quickly to Siyabonga Mahima (3-25).

However, Khaya Zondo (45) helped Smuts edge the Dolphins closer with a 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

That was ended by the outstanding Mahima, who also got rid of key man Smuts with just under 60 still needed.

But Viljoen, supported by Eathan Bosch (20), held his nerve to get the visitors over the line as they sealed a memorable win.

JOINT CHAMPIONS

Meanwhile, the ACDC Express Tuskers and Eastern Cape Iinyathi were crowned joint champions of the Division 2 One-Day Cup after persistent rain brought a premature end to the final at the AET Pietermaritzburg Oval.

Rain had the final say at ACDC Express Pietermaritzburg Oval ⛈️.

Both the ACDC Express Tuskers and Eastern Cape Iinyathi get to share the trophy as joint champions 🏆🏏.

It’s not the ideal ending, but given the circumstances, it’s a fair outcome 👏.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt… pic.twitter.com/Xe9qq2H0zd

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) March 15, 2025

Despite efforts to resume play, inclement weather conditions on both the scheduled match day and the reserve day meant that no further action was possible, leading to the two teams sharing the trophy.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins were crowned the CSA One-Day Cup champions after securing a tense four-wicket victory over Goldrush Boland at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors, fortunate to be involved in the playoffs in the first place, secured the victory from the first ball of the final over, which Hanu Viljoen struck to the mid-wicket fence, running three with Andile Simelane, leaving the home side’s fans staring in despair.

The Dolphins, requiring 248 to win the title, reached 248 for six with five balls to spare in response to Boland’s 247 for eight after Prenelan Subreyan had won the toss and elected to bowl first.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are the 2025 #1DayCup champions after a brilliant chase in Paarl 🏆🐬 pic.twitter.com/58WmgtSqG2

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 16, 2025

The Dolphins were always in the chase, thanks mainly to a wonderful 91 from Jon-Jon Smuts from 111 balls with 11 boundaries. Smuts was well supported by Bryce Parsons (30) and Khaya Zondo (45). Smuts and Parsons added 69 for the second wicket after Glenton Stuurman (3-1-16-1) had Tshepang Dithole caught behind by Clyde Fortuin for 11.

Siya Mahima (10-1-25-3) and Shaun Von Berg (10-0-48-1) grabbed two quick wickets, with Von Berg taking a catch from his own bowling to dismiss Parsons before Mahima trapped Jason Smith in front for just a single.

However, Smuts and Zondo, who cracked two fours and two sixes during his 44-ball stay, added 78 for the fourth wicket. Zondo then looked to sweep Mahima, but only managed to find Von Berg at short fine leg with a top-edge.

The hosts thought they were back in the match when Smuts tamely popped a ball back to Mahima just nine runs short of his century. However, Eathan Bosch (20) and Viljoen (35 not out) added 44 runs for the sixth wicket to bring the visitors within site of victory.

But Imran Manack (10-0-43-1) trapped Bosch in front with the last ball of his spell to bring the crowd to the edge of their seats. However, Simelane smashed the last ball of the penultimate over from Aya Gqamane (4-0-40) straight back over his head for six, leaving Lehan Botha (4.1-0-26-0) to defend just three in the final over.

It went down to the last over in the #1DayCup final 🍿

Here is the winning moment from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins 👏 pic.twitter.com/Zogt5xsldj

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 16, 2025

Earlier, Gqamane (69) and Manack (50 not out) had posted a record eighth-wicket stand for Boland, adding 96 runs from 75 balls to give the hosts a solid total after a disastrous start. Gqamane cracked seven fours and a six from 77 balls while Manack added five fours and two sixes from 39 balls.

Boland had to recover from 23 for four with umpire Lubabalo Gcuma cast as the villain by the home faithful. Gcuma was involved in four dubious decisions, with Blayde Capell (2), Gavin Kaplan (6) and Aviwe Mgijima (1) all being given out leg before with the ball seeming to miss leg stump while raising the finger to Grant Roelofsen (41), who failed to hit the ball.

Roelofsen had struck two fours and a six before missing a delivery from Subrayen (10-1-35-2), only to be given out caught behind by Viljoen.

Roelofsen and Fortuin had added 50 runs for the fifth wicket at nearly a run a ball, rescuing their side from a perilous position of 23 for four. Capell was adjudged leg before from the bowling of Subrayen with just five runs on the board.

Goldrush Boland fight back to set a target of 248 in the #1DayCup final in Paarl.

Clyde Fortuin (54) and Ayabulela Gqamane (69) the pick of the batsmen 👏

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins know what they need to do.

📺 Stream live: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/jqS9hjCdae

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 16, 2025

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj (10-1-36-2) then trapped Kaplan and Mgijima in front before Simelane (6-0-45-2) clean-bowled Botha for just a single. Von Berg (8) seemed to be settling in before playing a rash shot, slapping a ball from Tristan Luus (6-0-32-2) onto his middle stump.

Fortuin and Gqamane then combined with a seventh-wicket stand of 52 before a brilliant piece of fielding from Parsons at short mid-wicket ended the stand. Luus was again the bowler with Fortuin looking to drive the right-arm seamer up and over toward the mid-wicket fence, only for Parsons to snatch the ball, one-handed, out of the air.

Despite the loss of the Boland captain, Gqamane continued to build on the seventh-wicket momentum, this time with Manack as the pair posted the best stand of the innings, at better than a run-a-ball.

Fortuin, Roelofsen, Gqamane and Manack were key for the home side’s recovery from 23 for four and 90 for six as the last two wicket partnerships added 157, enabling Boland to set the Dolphins a target of 248 to lift the CSA One-Day Cup.

---

BOLAND: Blayde Capell, Grant Roelofsen, Gavin Kaplan, Aviwe Mgijima, Clyde Reeves-Fortuin (captain/wkt), Lehan Botha, Shaun von Berg, Aya Gqamane, Imraan Manack, Glenton Stuurman, Siyabonga Mahima

DOLPHINS: Tshepang Dithole, Joj-Jon Smuts, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, Khaya Zondo, Hanu Viljoen (wkt), Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen (captain), Tristan Luus

All roads lead to Paarl on Sunday where Goldrush Boland will be bidding to win their first 50-over title in 25 years when they host the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in the 1 Day Cup final.

It's official! Goldrush Boland will face the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to see who will be crowned #1DayCup 2025 Champions 🏏🔥🏆.

🎟 Be sure to grab your tickets now at https://t.co/Xx4MFevFex #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #1DayCup pic.twitter.com/lQjDGk90uz

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) March 12, 2025

The hosts automatically qualified for the deciding game by topping the league phase of the competition with five wins out of seven, four of which came at their Boland Park home. Their visitors from Durban are the form team in the competition after recovering from a poor start to win five in a row, including a stunning upset win against the dangerous Momentum Multiply Titans this past week.

It sets up a tantalising finale in the Cape Winelands where a capacity home crowd will be cheering on their team, who last won the same tournament way back in the 1999-2000 season when current coach Justin Ontong was a player.

Imran Manack of Goldrush Boland, no.2 in leading wicket-takers this season, reflects on his team's journey through the #1DayCup, with pride in their performance leading up to the final 🔥🏏🏆. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #1DayCup pic.twitter.com/z4uSIHidbx

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) March 14, 2025

“It’s obviously a very exciting time for cricket in Boland,” captain Clyde Reeves-Fortuin told the media ahead of the game. “Everyone is looking forward to the final and helping the region win the trophy again.”

The team has been very consistent this term and the skipper admits it is a key reason for their success.

“The confidence and understanding within the group is unbelievable,” he explained. “There’s loads of respect for everyone. How we’ve gone about team selections, how we’ve gone about playing at different venues, there’s just been consistency throughout. We’ve stuck to a formula and to our processes.

“We said at the beginning of the season we’ve got a big squad and there will be changes here and there, but it will be horses for courses. I think we’ve been consistent in how we’ve gone about everything. We’ve taken each game as it has come and never looked too far ahead.

“Even when we’ve lost, like in Bloem (against the Knights in Bloemfontein), there were hard conversations where we knew we were not good enough. We identified the areas where we weren’t good enough and continued to try and learn game by game. And then not repeat those mistakes. The key though has been consistency.”

Top of the log and 1 game away from glory! 👆🏆💛

We caught up with Goldrush Boland #1DayCup captain, Clyde Fortuin, as the team gears up to host the final this Sunday.

🎟️Don’t miss the action—get your tickets now on: https://t.co/Xx4MFev7oZ #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/GnSlCFrQmL

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) March 13, 2025

Reeves-Fortuin says that maintaining their current trend will be key on Sunday, adding: “It's another game at home where we’ve won four, three with a bonus point, and clearly our formula is working.

“So there’s no need to make big changes. I think we just need to stick to our process and if we do that we can walk away with our heads held up high, knowing we did what we needed to.”

Their opponents have endured a rollercoaster few days. Last week Sunday they were eliminated from the competition after finishing fourth. However, they were subsequently reinstated after the Dafabet Warriors breached selection rules.

They then went on to thump the Titans on Wednesday to secure their place in the tournament decider.

“Our focus is just on playing and improving with each game. The administrative and political parts of the game we leave to the office staff,” Subrayen said of the drama.

The Durban side has now won five in a row after back-to-back losses to start the campaign.

“We have a lot of momentum that has been taken from game to game and I think the processes have remained the same, as we did with the first game where we started this winning streak. So there is a lot of excitement to go and play the final,” the Dolphins captain added.

A week ago, nobody in Durban would have given the Hollywoodbets Dolphins the faintest chance of reaching the final of the CSA One-Day Cup. On Wednesday night they achieved precisely that when they beat the high-flying Momentum Multiply Titans by 65 runs in the qualifier at Kingsmead.

They will now face Goldrush Boland in the final in Paarl on Sunday.

MATCH RESULT 📣

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have booked their spot in the One Day Cup final with a 65 run win over the Momentum Multiply Titans!!💪

Titans 163 all out!

Tristan Luus (3/48) Keshav Maharaj (3/37) Prenelan Subrayen (1/35) and Jon-Jon Smuts (1/26) pic.twitter.com/Evk3zELVbJ

— Dolphins Cricket (@DolphinsCricket) March 12, 2025

Last Sunday, when the Dolphins faced the North West Dragons in their final log match, they knew that even a bonus-point win wouldn’t have been enough if the Titans won their last match.

As it turned out, both teams won, but there was a South African twist in the tail.

The Dafabet Warriors, it transpired, had breached CSA protocols relating to the composition of teams the previous month, ironically against the Dolphins.

Though the Warriors won the game comfortably they only picked two Black Africans, instead of three, in their team.

The result, only announced nearly a month later, was that the Warriors were docked five points and the Dolphins awarded the game.

That transformed positions 2-4 behind finalists Boland with the Dolphins finishing second, the Titans third and the Warriors fourth.

Even then the Dolphins hardly looked like winners for the first two-thirds of their innings.

On a slow, sticky pitch that made free strokeplay very difficult, the Dolphins sank to 91 for five in the 27th over.

At that stage Hanu Viljoen and Eathan Bosch combined to add 86 in 106 balls for the sixth wicket and the home team went on the compile 228 for eight – a respectable total in the conditions but hardly intimidating.

But the Titans, who enjoy the conditions at Centurion where their batters are given every assistance, were a different team in the difficult Kingsmead conditions.

Their problems began with a run-out when Bosch brilliantly threw down the stumps after Rivaldo Moonsamy hesitated over whether to take a quick single.

And then Tristan Luus got the big fish, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who got a leading edge to a delivery he attempted to turn to leg, the ball spooning up to Bryce Parsons at point.

The collapse continued when skipper Neil Brand pulled Prenelan Subrayen straight to mid-on; then Jhedli van Briesies was castled by Keshav Maharaj who had made himself available for the Dolphins.

Luus went for plenty of runs, 48 in 6.4 overs, but he also collected plenty of wickets, also getting Keegan Petersen nicely caught at point by Khaya Zondo and then stopping Dayyaan Galiem in his tracks for 32 when he threatened a late surge by the Titans.

The key scalp for the home team, however, was that of Dewald Brevis who took the attack to the Dolphins, smashing four sixes and a four in his 36 in 25 balls.

But the youngster attempted one brave stroke too many against Maharaj and he skied the ball to Jason Smith at backward point.

Former Dolphin Andile Phehlukwayo briefly threatened resistance but he was caught on the long-on boundary attempting to smash Maharaj for six.

The Titans’ innings then ended with another runout as Schalk Engelbrecht forgot to run his bat in when Maharaj’s throw broke the stumps.

Maharaj was the star of the Dolphins’ attack, claiming 3-37 in his 10 overs, while Luus grabbed 3-48.

Subrayen bowled tidily to take 1-35 and Smuts also did well to take 1-26.

SEASON'S BEST FOR PHEHLUKWAYO

Phehlukwayo had earlier grabbed a season-best 4-29 to help restrict the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to what seemed to be a modest total.

The home team, put in to bat by the Titans, crawled along at just over three to the over until the 37th over when Viljoen and Bosch increased the intensity.

Viljoen lofted a straight drive for four off offspinner Engelbrecht while Bosch went one better, driving him into the stands.

The last 14 overs realised 108 runs, lifting the run-rate to 4.6 runs per over by the end of the innings.

The partnership that built the foundations came from Viljoen and Bosch.

Coming together on 91 for five in the 27th over, the pair initially played conservatively, knowing that any further loss of wickets could be fatal.

The first six of the innings, in fact, came from Bosch in that 37th over.

Four more were to follow it, including a splendid climax for the Dolphins when skipper Subrayen belted two straight drives into the Friendship Pavilion off the final two deliveries from Dayyaan Galiem who was the only Titans’ bowler to really suffer, conceding 57 runs in his six overs.

Once again it was Viljoen who caught the eye.

The 23-year-old from Pretoria, who showed such promise for the Northern Cape Heat in Division 2, has now scored half-centuries in his last three innings and his temperament was rock solid once again.

His 57 in 65 balls – a good rate in the circumstances – included four fours and a six.

But if the last quarter of the Dolphins’ innings was encouraging for the home fans, it was the Titans who held sway most of the time.

The Dolphins’ top-order were unable to judge the slow pace of the pitch and Dithole, Smuts, Parsons and Jason Smith all playing too early at deliveries, offering soft catches in the inner ring, or in Smuts’s case, bowled through the gate playing too early.

The conditions were perfect for Phehlukwayo who took pace off the ball and bowled a variety of deliveries that bamboozled the batters.

He was offered good support from spinners Roelof van der Merwe (2-33 off nine overs), Engelbrecht (1-38 off nine), and Brand (1-38 off 10) who shackled the batters for the most part on the slow surface – the same pitch that was used in the Dolphins’ last home match.

But in the end it was the Dolphins who prospered in their own conditions and the Titans were simply unable to challenge them.

It's official! Goldrush Boland will face the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to see who will be crowned #1DayCup 2025 Champions 🏏🔥🏆.

🎟 Be sure to grab your tickets now at https://t.co/Xx4MFevFex #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #1DayCup pic.twitter.com/lQjDGk90uz

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) March 12, 2025

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins head into Wednesday's One-Day Cup qualifier off the back of four consecutive wins and will face a tough Momentum Multiply Titans outfit at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.

Both the Dolphins and the Titans have hit a rich vein of form in the 50 over competition and will face off after their fixture was abandoned due to heavy rain in Pretoria earlier in the competition.

The winner of tomorrow's showdown will face Goldrush Boland in the final at Boland Park this weekend and the Titans come into Wednesday's knock-out on the back of four wins of their own.

Focusing on the head-to-head between the teams, the Dolphins did get to bat in their match at SuperSport Park earlier in the season. Dolphins coach Quinton Friend believes they can take positives out of that innings heading into their match.

"That innings against the Titans was the start of the turnaround for us and from there was started batting far smarter and worked out how to set and chase down totals," Friend said. "We can take a lot away from how we batted in Pretoria, but the conditions are totally different to Durban.

"Scoring 300 plus at Centurion happens quite often due to the nature of the surface but you still have to go out there and post that score and we will take that positive energy with us into Wednesday."

Both teams head into the clash in red-hot form and Friend is excited by how his team are going about their business.

"The team is in a really good space and that often happens when you get onto a winning run. Things all seem to be in their correct place and the energy and attitude of the boys has been phenomenal.

"We've got the momentum at the right time, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to play for a spot in the final tomorrow at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead."

The Dolphins won four matches in a row after losing their first three in the competition, however they were awarded the points for their first match against the Warriors after the team from Gqeberha breached CSA protocol.

Friend knows that his side are up for the fight this week as they potentially chase a first piece of silverware.

"We just wanted to finish as high up the log as we could but as things have unfolded, we now have an opportunity to play for a title.

"Mentally the players are in a good space but physically it's been quite challenging. What has been good is how we have delt with the recovery part of things and given the guys the best chance to be as fresh as possible.

"It's been a whole squad effort to get us to where we are now, and things have clicked at the right time for us and we are privileged to represent the Dolphins in a play-off game.

"We urge all the fans to come through to Hollywoodbets Kingsmead and watch some brilliant domestic cricket," Friend added.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will welcome back Keshav Maharaj to their squad for the play-off.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad v Momentum Multiply Titans:

Prenelan Subrayen, Okuhle Cele, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Tshepang Dithole, SJ Erwee, Marques Ackerman, Khaya Zondo, Tristan Luus, Hanu Viljoen, Andile Simelane, Keshjav Maharaj, Daryn Dupavillon, Eathan Bosch.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced that the Dafabet Warriors will lose their spot in the 1-Day Cup playoff after being docked match points due to a breach of the CSA Administrative Conditions.

Following a comprehensive review and investigation, the CSA Board has determined that the Warriors failed to meet the stipulated transformation requirements during their match on 16 February against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in Durban.

The breach pertained specifically to Clause 3.2.2 of the CSA Administrative Conditions, which requires teams to field a minimum of three Black African players in the starting eleven.

The sanctions imposed include loss of match points.

Thus, Warriors will forfeit all match points for the match in question and Dolphins will be awarded four match points from the fixture.

However, no bonus points will be allocated.

A monetary fine has also been included, with  50 per cent payable before the end of the current financial year.

The remaining 50 per cent will be suspended for five years and will only be activated if a similar breach occurs within that period.

As a direct consequence of this sanction, Warriors will no longer qualify for the 1-Day Cup playoff, altering the competition’s final standings.

Dolphins now move to second place on the log and will host the Momentum Multiply Titans in the playoff on Wednesday.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins comfortably beat the North West Dragons by seven wickets with 31 balls to spare in a rain-affected CSA One-Day Cup match at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

It was the Dolphins' fourth consecutive win, a superb recovery from a poor start, but under normal circumstances this would still have left them one point short of qualifying for the playoffs.

But in a very South African twist to this particular tale, it is understood that Cricket South Africa are considering docking franchise points for not following CSA’s requirements for the correct racial composition of teams in an earlier match in the competition. If this happens, the Dolphins understand that they would qualify for the semifinal.

If that is indeed the case, and nothing has been officially announced yet, the Dolphins will qualify to play the Momentum Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park.

If there is uncertainty about the playoffs in the corridors of power, the Dolphins had few problems on the field as they comfortably overcame the Dragons’ total of 246 for seven which was reduced to 211 in 40 overs after rain delayed play for an hour with the visitors on 148 for three in 25.3 overs.

Tshepang Dithole went early but Jon-Jon Smuts, once again in imperious form, struck his fifth half-century of the competition to set the Dolphins on their way. Smuts added 88 with Bryce Parson who overcame a hamstring strain while fielding to strike a classy 39 in 40 balls.

Smuts then added 56 with Jason Smith before he was run-out going for a quick single with Lesiba Ngoepe throwing down the stumps. Smuts, who struck 10 fours in his 75 in 73 balls was not best pleased by the tight decision but, as it turned out, it made no difference to the result as Smith, who struck his second half-century in consecutive matches (61* in 64 balls) and Khaya Zondo (26* at a run a ball), saw their team through to victory with an unbroken half-century stand.

Earlier, Dolphins’ captain Prenelan Subrayen made the decision to put the home team into bat after winning the toss, and, as the Dolphins’ principal offspinner, he made a valuable contribution to their eventual victory, conceding only 22 runs in his 10 overs and claiming the wickets of Lesiba Ngoepe and Matthew Kleinveldt.

Paceman Tristan Luus gave him excellent support, bowling with good gas and claiming the key scalps of opener Meeka-eel Prince and Janneman Malan. His first five overs were outstanding as he took 2/13 in his opening spell. Altogether he claimed 2/36 in eight overs.

The Dragons’ innings was built on the foundations of a second-wicket partnership of 69 between Prince (38) and Malan (28) and then a seventh-wicket partnership of 74 between Wihan Lubbe and Ruan de Swardt. The two left-handers initially played with patience but gradually increased the run-rate with Lubbe finally falling for 69 in 86 balls while De Swardt, an ex-Dolphin, finished unbeaten on 45 in 50 deliveries.

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NORTH WEST DRAGONS: Rubin Hermann, Meeka-eel Prince, Janneman Malan, Wihan Lubbe, Migael Pretorius, Lesiba Ngoepe, Matthew Kleinveldt, Ruan de Swardt, Caleb Seleka, Kerwin Mungroo, Achille Cloete

HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS: Jon-Jon Smuts, Tshepang Dithole, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, Khaya Zondo, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen, Tristan Luus, Okuhle Cele

The Dafabet Warriors improved their chances of securing a playoff slot with a 33-run (DLS) victory over the DP World Lions in their CSA One-Day Challenge encounter at Dafabet St George's Park on Sunday.

Bjorn Fortuin, the Lions' captain, called correctly at the toss and elected to bat first. Connor Esterhuizen and Mitchell van Buuren put on a good show to steer the visitors to 279/5 in 50 overs. The hosts could only bat for 22.2 overs, but did enough to secure victory. They galloped to 124/1 before rain curtailed proceedings. The showers were unceasing, however, the hosts had done enough to clinch the tie.

Jordan Hermann took off like a house on fire. The opener was particularly severe on Codi Yusuf, who struggled to pin down a line and length that could trouble him. Hermann scored an impressive 40 off 33 deliveries to give the Warriors the advantage.

The home side reached 50 runs in under six overs. By comparison, the Lions required almost 13 overs to get there. The left-hander was undone for a well-played 40 off 33 balls.

Hermann's start allowed Matthew de Villiers to calm his nerves and settle into a rhythm. De Villiers was making his List A debut. The 23-year-old looked like a seasoned professional once he got going. He was on the cusp of a maiden half-century when the heavens opened up. De Villiers was unbeaten on 49 off 60 deliveries.

De Villiers was in the company of Matthew Breetzke (30*) at the time of the interruption. They had shared an unbroken 60-run second-wicket partnership. Earlier in the innings, De Villiers was part of a 64-run opening stand with Hermann.

Connor Esterhuizen and Mitchell van Buuren experienced deja vu. On 23 February, they scored half-centuries in a losing cause against the NWU Dragons. The same happened against the Warriors. While their twin half-centuries steered the visitors to respectability, they were not enough to secure victory.

Esterhuizen arrived at the crease after 23.2 overs. The Lions were on 107/3 and needed someone to play an outstanding knock and bat through the innings. The 23-year-old did so with a wonderful unbeaten 87 off 80 balls. This is Esterhuizen's new career-best List A score. His previous best was 59 runs.

The half-century is Esterhuizen's third in List A cricket and second of the season. He faced 60 deliveries to reach the milestone. He cantered to his new highest 50-over score in the company of Delano Potgieter (22*), with whom he shared an unbroken 53-run sixth-wicket partnership.

Mitchell van Buuren scored a well-played 56 off 69 deliveries. This is his third half-century this season. He clubbed 50 and 54 runs against the NWU Dragons and the Knights. This is also his 12th List A half-ton. His innings ended after he failed to make clean contact with a slower-ball bouncer from Alfred Mothoa.

Van Buuren was part of two consecutive partnerships that reset the Lions' radar by adding a combined 113 runs to the total. The first one was a 56-run third-wicket stand he shared with Zubayr Hamza. The Lions' experienced duo of Hamza (39) and Hendricks (25) got starts but couldn't convert them to big figures.

The Warriors were successful thanks to the good start with the ball they got from Beyers Swanepoel and CJ King. The pair saw to it that the Lions did not have a quick start. Their effort was complemented by Patrick Kruger and Alfred Mothoa, who also did a good job at keeping a lid on things.

Patrick Kruger was the pick of the bowlers for the Warriors with two wickets for 38 runs in nine overs. Beyers Swanepoel, Alfred Mothoa, and Jason Raubenheimer contributed with a wicket each.

---

WARRIORS: Jordan Hermann, Matthew de Villiers, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile (wk), Senuran Muthusamy (capt), Patrick Kruger, Andile Mogakane, Beyers Swanepoel, CJ King, Jason Raubenheimer, Alfred Mothoa.

LIONS: Reeza Hendricks, Wandile Makwetu, Zubayr Hamza, Mitchell Van Buuren, Connor Esterhuisen (wk), Richard Seletswane, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (capt), Codi Yusuf, Nqaba Peter.

A brutal unbeaten half century from Dewald Brevis helped blitz the Momentum Multiply Titans to a seven-wicket bonus point win over the ITEC Knights at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday and into the playoffs of the CSA One-Day Cup.

The Titans will now face either the Warriors or the Dolphins in the qualifier on Wednesday, for a place in the final against table topping Boland on Sunday.

After a century from Patrick Botha saved the Knights blushes and got them to 230 all out batting first, it wasn’t nearly enough in the end as a thoroughly entertaining assault from Brevis powered the visitors home with a monster 69 balls remaining.

Brevis launched seven sixes and eight fours in his unbeaten 83 off just 38 deliveries, and it was his 107-run fourth wicket partnership off 70 balls with Keegan Petersen (59no) that saw them cruise over the line easily.

It was however a tough start to the chase as the Knights made early inroads, reducing the Titans to 22/2 in the fifth over.

In-form opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius (4) chased a very short and wide delivery from Tiaan van Vuuren in the first over and ended up feathering an edge behind to keeper Dominic Hendricks.

Rivaldo Moonsamy (11), who has also been in top form having hit back-to-back centuries in their two previous games, whipped a ball from Van Vuuren off his pads straight to Dian Forrester at deep backward square leg a few overs later, to give the home side a glimmer of hope.

But that brought Petersen in to join captain Neil Brand (66) and they calmed things down with a 107-run third wicket stand, and Brand brought up a well-deserved half century.

If the Knights thought Brand’s wicket in the 28th over, caught by Botha off the bowling of Forrester, would open a door for them, they were sorely mistaken as it was immediately slammed shut by Brevis.

He absolutely dominated his century partnership with Petersen, who was basically a spectator, as they powered to a brilliant win and into the knockouts, while the Knights see their campaign come to an end.

In the first innings the Knights were grateful for a fantastic effort from Botha, as he struck an unbeaten 109 off 145 balls (9x4) to help his team get over the 200-run mark, which wouldn’t have been possible without his innings.

Forrester (42) also made a decent contribution, while Matthew Pollard (14) and Aaron Phangiso (11) were the only other batters to reach double figures, showing just how much they struggled during their innings.

At the start of play the Titans won the toss and chose to bowl, and got off to a great start as Galiem had Gerrit Snyman (1) edging to Petersen at first slip with the third ball of the match.

Junior Dala had Lesego Senokwana (3) well caught by a diving Galiem, followed by Hendricks (4) clipping Galiem to a diving Roelof van der Merwe at square leg, leaving the Knights in early trouble on 22/3 in the seventh over.

Botha and Seth Fledermaus (8) tried to revive the innings with a 30-run fourth wicket partnership, but Van Der Merwe had Fledermaus caught by Petersen in the 14th over as they slipped to 52/4.

That brought Forrester in and along with Botha they finally managed to settle things, as they shared in a positive 91-run stand as they took their side past 100 and towards 150.

Just as it was looking like they might kick on to a strong total, Schalk Engelbrecht made the breakthrough, having Forrester caught behind by keeper Pretorius, with the score 143/5 after 35 overs.

The rest of the innings was then about Botha batting on to his century, as he shared in partnerships of 26 with Phangiso and 31 with Pollard, allowing him to reach his second list a hundred with a single in the 48th over, while Malusi Siboto (2) was run out off the final ball of the innings.

Galiem, 3/38 in his 10 overs, was the pick of the Titans bowlers, while Dala with 2/41 in 10 backed him up well.

---

ITEC KNIGHTS: Jacques Snyman, Lasego Senokwane, Dominic Hendricks (wk), Dian Forrester, Tiaan van Vuuren, Patrick Botha, Seth Fledermaus, Aaron Phangiso, Matthew Pollard, Dane Piedt (capt), Malusi Siboto

TITANS: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rivaldo Moonsamy, Keegan Petersen, Neil Brand (capt), Dewald Brevis, Sibonelo Makhanya, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dayyaan Galiem, Roelof van der Merwe, Schalk Engelbrecht, Junior Dala

Goldrush Boland shrugged aside World Sports Betting Western Province with a convincing five-wicket victory, with 39 balls to spare, in the CSA One-Day Cup at Boland in Paarl on Sunday to book their spot in the final next Sunday.

The victory foundation was laid by the home side’s spinners after Clyde Fortuin won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Shaun von Berg (10-0-44-3), Aviwe Mgijima (10-1-27-2), Imran Manack (10-1-32-2) and Siya Mahima (3.2-0-17-2) stifled the visiting batting line-up, bowling out WP for 182 inside 46 overs. In reply, a half-century from Blayde Capell (59) and support from Gavin Kaplan (46) guided the hosts to 183 for five from 43.3 overs to seal top spot and automatic qualification for the final.

The chase was a measured approach with Capell and Grant Roelofsen (29) setting the tone with an opening stand of 64 from 100 deliveries. Kyle Simmonds (5.1-11-1) broke the opening stand, clean-bowling Roelofsen, who had faced 53 balls, striking three boundaries.

The loss of Roelofsen’s wicket did not present an opening for the visitors as Capell and Kaplan continued the march to victory with a 59-run stand for the second wicket off 84 balls. With Province losing their leading wicket-taker, Simmonds, George Linde (10-1-31-1) stepped up to dismiss Capell, caught on the long-on fence by Ollie Whitehead, who was on for the injured Simmonds.

A few nerves were felt around the ground as Wesley Bedja (7-0-27-3) trapped Kaplan in front, castled Mgijima (25) and then sending Lehan Botha (8) back to the hut leg before. Kaplan faced 96 balls, striking three fours and a six, while Mgijima struck three fours in his 36-ball stay.

However, Fortuin (7 not out) and Von Berg (1 not out) knocked off the final two runs needed for victory.

Earlier, Province had made a steady start with the opening pair of Eddie Moore (51) and Tony de Zorzi (32) adding 62 from 85 balls before Aya Gqamane (5-0-22-1) broke through, having De Zorzi caught at mid-on by Mahima.

De Zorzi looked to be finding some form again, striking five boundaries in 42 balls before trying to slap Gqamane back over his head, only to find Mahima at mid-on. David Bedingham failed to find the boundary in his 19 balls before finding substitute fielder, Nathan Jacobs at long-off from the bowling of Von Berg.

Von Berg then nabbed Bennie Hansen, trying to cut only to find the bottom edge through to Fortuin behind the stumps. Moore then went shortly thereafter, being cleaned-up by Mgijima after striking three fours and a six from 73 balls.

George Linde (38) and captain Kyle Verreynne (29) steadied the ship somewhat with a stand worth 41 from 47 balls for the fifth wicket but then Verreynne clipped a ball from Mgijima straight to Gavin Kaplan at short mid-wicket.

Von Berg then  had Onke Nyake caught at short extra cover by Lehan Botha without scoring before Manack trapped Kyle Simmonds (7) in front and having Dane Paterson (3) caught by Von Berg at short extra cover.

Mahima then cleaned up the tail, trapping Linde in front and then clean-bowling debutante Asakhe Tsaka with a beautiful Yorker for three.

---

BOLAND: Blayde Capell, Grant Roelofsen, Gavin Kaplan, Aviwe Mgijima, Clyde Fortuin (capt, wk), Lehan Botha, Aya Gqamane, Shaun von Berg, Imran Manack, Glenton Stuurman, Siya Mahima.

WESTERN PROVINCE: Tony de Zorzi, Eddie Moore, David Bedingham, Bennie Hansen, Kyle Verreynne (capt, wk), George Linde, Kyle Simmonds, Onke Nyaku, Dane Paterson, Wesley Bedja, Asakhe Tsaka.

By the end of his innings he could barely walk as cramp attacked him, but Hanu Viljoen has loads of mental fortitude and he duly stayed with it and helped fashion a five-wicket victory for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in their CSA One-Day Cup match against the Knights at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday night.

Set 197 to win by the Knights, the Dolphins struck a series of own goals in the opening overs with Jon-Jon Smuts (top-edging a risky sweep), Bryce Parsons (slogging to mid-on) and Tshepang Dithole (tamely driving to mid-off after a promising start) all perishing by their own hand.

And when Khaya Zondo, struggling for form, was snapped up by Dom Hendricks behind the stumps for eight, the Dolphins had slumped to 60 for four and were all set to implode, not for the first time this season.

Up stepped 23-year-old Hanu Viljoen from Pretoria High School and the more experienced Jason Smith.

Viljoen, fresh from his 74 off 63 balls against Western Province, played himself in, happily playing second fiddle to Smith as the pair began to repair the damage and gradually move towards their target.

Smith played beautifully, striking six fours and a six in his 96-ball 71, while Viljoen visibly grew in stature beside him.

Smith eventually fell to an over-ambitious pull after the pair had added 103 for the fifth wicket, but Viljoen, increasingly hit by cramp, was not to be denied and he and a calm Eathan Bosch took the home team to victory in the 47th over with the luxury of 22 balls to spare.

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have beaten the Knights by five wickets!!

Hanu Viljoen finishes on 64* while Jason Smith made a critical 71 earlier in the innings.

What a batting effort from the Dolphins to come back from 60/4 to win with 22 balls to spare! pic.twitter.com/cJSCrHTBA7

— Dolphins Cricket (@DolphinsCricket) March 7, 2025

It was appropriate that it was Viljoen who cover-drove Dane Piedt for six in the penultimate over and then calmly clipped the single that took the Dolphins to victory as he finished unbeaten on 64 in 92 balls, including six fours and a six.

For the Knights, Aaron Phangiso was always dangerous, claiming 2-32 in his 10 overs.

But, after bowling his spinners up front, with nine of the first 10 power-play overs assigned to them, the Knights rather ignored them as the Dolphins’ innings progressed through the middle phase.

Tiaan van Vuuren, who had earlier starred with the bat, also impressed with the ball with the paceman taking 2-39.

MINI-COLLAPSE

Earlier, the Knights began their innings agonisingly slowly after winning the toss and opting to bat first, but, thanks to a bright ninth-wicket partnership of 57 off 62 balls from Van Vuuren and Piedt, mustered a useful 196 all out on a difficult pitch.

Offspinner Prenelan Subrayen claimed 2-26 in his 10 overs, while pacemen Andile Simelane (2-35) Bosch (2-32) and Tristan Luus (3-52 thanks to an expensive last over) all kept the clamps on their opponents as the Knights’ batters struggled for fluency on a slow, sticky pitch that encouraged survival rather than free-scoring.

The Dolphins’ bowling effort was all the more meritorious after one of their key bowlers, Ottneil Baartman, pulled up with a leg injury after the first ball of his third over.

Nevertheless, a sensible 54 in 76 balls from Van Vuuren, helped by stout resistance from the tail, particularly Piedt (27* in 35 balls), enabled the Knights to build some momentum after their slow start.

The Knights have relied on Jacques Snyman for explosive starts and when he was out early, caught in the covers off Bosch, the visitors were caught on the wrong foot.

Hendricks and Lesego Senokwane, both attritional players, probably gave the Dolphins’ bowlers too much respect, crawling to 15 in the first powerplay with no boundaries – a record low in this competition.

They had added 45 in 85 balls when Senokwane was caught behind off Simelane, and Hendricks’s dismissal, playing on to Luus for 33 in 65 balls, signalled a mini-collapse in which three wickets fell for one run in eight balls.

Van Vuuren and Dian Forrester gradually repaired the innings with a partnership of 38 in 73 balls before Forrester was out to the first of two smart catches at slip by Zondo off the bowling of Subrayen.

Van Vuuren, helped by Piedt, then propelled the total towards 200 – a partial recovery but a total that proved insufficient thanks to the efforts of Smith and Viljoen.

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HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS: jon-jon smuts, tshepang dithole, bryce parsons, jason smiKhaya Zondo, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen (capt), Tristan Luus, Ottneil Baartman

ITEC KNIGHTS: Jacques Snyman, Lasego Senokwane, Dom Hendricks (wk), Dian Forrester, Tiaan van Vuuren, Patrick Botha, Seth Fledermaus, Aaron Phangiso, Matthew Pollard, Dane Piedt (capt), Malusi Siboto

With two rounds remaining in the One-Day Cup, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins understand what is needed from them, starting with a showdown with the Knights at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium tomorrow.

It's been an encouraging turnaround for the Dolphins who have won their last two matches, firstly against the Lions, and then an emphatic bonus-point win over WSB Western Province.

They have had a week off in preparation for their final two matches in the group phase of the competition. With time to reflect on past performances, coach Quinton Friend feels their execution has been better in their last two matches.

"From a batting perspective we have created a few more partnerships than in the previous games and took care of certain phases in the innings," Friend said. "The guys understand what needs to be done and we've started putting the plans into action.

"It would be fantastic for one of our top six to go through and get a hundred because that makes chasing or setting a total a lot easier.

"We'll continue to try and get that right but I'm very happy where things are at currently."

'HAVE TO WIN BOTH OUR GAMES'

The Dolphins know what needs to be done from a performance perspective and they know what needs to happen from a results perspective if they are going to advance into the knock-outs.

"Friday is going to be a massive game for us following the results from Wednesday night's matches and we know where we stand in the competition going forward.

"We have to win both of our games, but our main focus is Friday night and getting the job done there.

"From where we were at the start of the competition to where we are now, it shows that we have a group that keeps believing and there has been good buy-in from the group," Friend added.

The two wins last week have been crucial in getting the Dolphins into the play-off mix and despite the already-positive attitude in the camp, those wins have bolstered the group.

"I think that Dolphins cricket is at its best when every guy in the squad is contributing to our success, and we've seen that over the past week.

"The energy in the squad has been unreal and the belief is there without a doubt and we are looking forward to Friday in front of the home crowd," Friend said.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will welcome back Daryn Dupavillon into the squad after he recovered from a hamstring injury. Marques Ackerman (hamstring) and Brad Porteous (neck) are the two players unavailable for selection.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad:

Bryce Parsons, Khaya Zondo, Tristan Luus, Daryn Dupavillon, Tshepang Dithole, Ottniel Baartman, Jason Smith, Hanu Viljoen, Jon-Jon Smuts, SJ Erwee, Okuhle Cele, Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen.

Beyers Swanepoel registered his best bowling figures in List A cricket as he bowled the Dafabet Warriors to a thrilling 19-run win over WSB Western Province in their CSA One-Day Challenge encounter at Dafabet St George's Park on Wednesday.

Senuran Muthusamy, the Warriors captain, won the toss and elected to bat first.

The home side scored 223-9, thanks to a Jordan Hermann half-century.

Eddie Moore, meanwhile, was left stranded unbeaten on 88 as Western Province crumbled for 204 in 47.5 overs.

Dafabet Warriors knock it out of the park! 🎉 A dominant performance sees them clinch victory against World Sports Betting WP in today’s 1-Day Cup clash! 💪#warriorsonfire #OneDayDomination #CleanBowled #VictoryShot #CricketCarnage #HowZat #DafabetWarriors pic.twitter.com/Z3e2f4YNjR

— The Dafabet Warriors (@WarriorsCrickEC) March 5, 2025

Swanepoel was in scorching form as he delivered the best bowling figures of the season.

He bagged four wickets for nine runs in nine overs. The pacer set the tone with the new ball as he led the home side's defence of 223 runs.

Swanepoel ripped through Western Province's top-order.

The pacer made good use of conditions. He introduced uncertainty in the minds of batters with his ability to get movement off the surface.

The 26-year-old was bowling so well that he provided his struggling new ball partner, CJ King, with a safety net.

King conceded 28 runs in his first four overs. However, the visitors were on 32-3 after nine overs, thanks to Swanepoel's outstanding five overs.

Swanepoel bagged three wickets for four runs in the five overs he sent down in the powerplay.

Eddie Moore played a belligerent innings as he tried to haul Western Province over the line.

The left-hander scored an unbeaten 88 off 123 balls that featured 10 fours.

This was Moore's 15th List A half-century.

Moore and Kyle Verreynne survived the onslaught from Swanepoel, who bowled an unbroken seven-over spell.

The pair consolidated through a 107-run fourth-wicket partnership that significantly chipped away at the target, leaving it at less than 100 runs.

Verreynne fell for a well-played 59 off 84 balls.

Western Province's innings crumbled with Verreynne's dismissal.

Moore helplessly watched as wickets tumbled at the other end. The opener tried to hold on to the chase, however, questionable decisions by his partners meant that his effort was in vain.

Western Province's fall was hastened by an inspired over delivered by Jason Raubenheimer.

The spinner bagged a brace of wickets in the 46th over to tilt the contest in the Warriors' favour.

Alfred Mothoa backed him up with a tidy seventh over, before Jody Lawrence was run out trying to convert a single into two runs.

FIFTY FOR HERMANN

The Warriors' victory was set up by Jordan Hermann's brilliant half-century.

The opener crunched six fours and two sixes on his way to 57 off 78 balls.

This is his third List A half-century. He faced 73 deliveries to reach the milestone.

Hermann enjoyed the support of Matthew Breetzke as he compiled his half-century.

The pair shared a well-paced 106-run second-wicket partnership. They joined forces in the third over, following the dismissal of Jean du Plessis.

Breetzke, who looked scratchy from the onset, was finally looking more comfortable and on course for a 17th List A half-century when he lost his wicket.

His march to a milestone was halted by Kyle Simmonds, who is enjoying a good campaign with the ball for Western Province, despite his team's struggles.

Simmonds is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Breetzke perished for 45 off 64 balls.

Senuran Muthusamy added an outstanding 47 off 63 balls to give the home side a competitive total.

He shared an outstanding seventh-wicket partnership that added 34 runs to the total with Beyers Swanepoel.

The pair's contribution at the back-end proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Onke Nyaku was the pick of the bowlers for Western Province.

The medium pacer found himself bowling a little earlier than he had anticipated.

He was brought in to finish a Mihlali Mpongwana over. Nyaku struck with his first delivery on his way to four wickets for 34 runs in 9.2 overs.

This is his second List A four-wicket haul.

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WARRIORS: Jordan Hermann, Matthew Breetzke, CJ King, Jean de Plessis (wk), Patrick Kruger, Andile Mogakane, Sinethemba Qeshile, Senuran Muthusamy (capt), Jason Raubenheimer, Alfred Mothoa, Beyers Swanepoel.

WESTERN PROVINCE: Eddie Moore, Valentine Kitime, David Bedingham, Benjamin Hansen, Kyle Verreynne (capt)(wk), Mihlali Mpongwana, Joshua Breed, Onke Nyaku, Kyle Simmonds, Dane Paterson, Jody Lawrence.

A sparkling century from Rivaldo Moonsamy and a trio of fifties set the Momentum Multiply Titans up for a big total, followed by their bowlers doing the job as they clinched a 133-run win over the Renault North West Dragons in their CSA One-Day Cup match at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and batting first, the Titans powered to 376-6, with Moonsamy leading the charge as he struck his second straight century, finishing on 102 off 89 balls (10x4; 5x6).

Rivaldo Moonsamy brings up another 💯

He brings up his century with 10 fours and 5 sixes. Congratulations Rivaldo 👏#1DayCup | #WhereLegendsRise pic.twitter.com/bvXswcTFwB

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 5, 2025

He was backed up by Dewald Brevis, 57 off 32 (3x4; 5x6), Sibonelo Makhanya, 63* off 60 (3x4; 3x6) and Andile Phehlukwayo, 52 off 32 (3x4; 4x6) as they all chipped in to get them to the daunting total.

In response the Dragons got off to a decent start, but once opener Rubin Hermann, 63 off 49 (3x4; 3x6) fell, it was a procession of wickets as Janneman Malan, 92* off 97 (8x4; 1x6), watched as the rest of his teammates fell by the wayside as they crashed all out for 243.

Titans captain Neil Brand led the bowling effort with figures of 3-56, while Schalk Engelbrecht, 2-31, Phehlukwayo, 2-31, and Matthew Boast, 2-22, all contributed in a solid all-round showing.

The Dragons chase got off to a blistering start as Hermann and Meeka-Eel Prince, 23 off 13 (3x4; 1x6), shared 49 for the first wicket within six overs, before Prince was caught by Brand off Junior Dala.

That brought Malan in and along with Hermann they put the Dragons into a great position to chase down the score with an 83-run second-wicket stand.

At 132-1 in the 17th over the hosts were well on target, but when Hermann was caught by Keegan Petersen off Engelbrecht, it started a slide that saw the Dragons lose their last nine wickets for 111 runs.

Malan was man alone, as he desperately tried to keep his side in the game, but with Lesiba Ngoepe (18) and Matthew Kleinveldt (19) the only other two batters to reach double figures, he did not receive the help needed to make a proper fist of the chase.

TITANS BATTERS CASH IN

In the first innings the Titans got off to a brisk start thanks to the in-form Lhuan-dre Pretorius (21), but after hitting two fours and a six in his 18-ball stay, he edged Migael Pretorius to Malan at slip, leaving them on 28-1 at the start of the fifth over.

Moonsamy then took charge, sharing in two positive partnerships -- 62 with Brand (31) and 67 with Petersen (16) -- but both fell just as they were getting going, with the Titans on 157-3 at the start of the 25th over.

That brought Brevis in and along with Moonsamy they shared in the third straight half century stand as they combined to add 57 to the total, taking the Titans past 200.

Having just brought up his century, Moonsamy was finally removed, caught by captain Wihan Lubbe off the bowling of Ruan de Swardt, leaving the Titans on 214-4.

Brevis slammed his way to his half century, adding 31 with Makhanya, but when he picked out Malan on the long-off fence off Caleb Seleka, the Titans were in danger of not maximising, sitting on 245-5 in the 37th over.

A half century for Dewald Brevis 👏

Back to back 50s as he departs on 57(32).
Congratulations DB 🔥#1DayCup pic.twitter.com/f5skSb1VnS

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 5, 2025

However, Phehlukwayo and Makhanya then combined for the innings' highest stand and at a great rate as they cracked 94 off 64 balls to hammer them past 300, while both batters reached their fifties.

Seleka bowling Phehlukwayo at the end of the 47th over didn’t slow things down though, as it brought Dayaan Galiem in and he plundered an unbeaten 23 off just nine balls.

Galiem finished his side's innings with a flourish, hammering six, four six off the last three balls bowled by Kerwin Mungroo.

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TITANS: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rivaldo Moonsamy, Keegan Petersen, Neil Brand (capt), Dewald Brevis, Sibonelo Makhanya, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dayyaan Galiem, Matthew Boast, Schalk Engelbrecht, Junior Dala

DRAGONS: Rubin Hermann, Janneman Malan, Meeka-eel Prince (wk), Matthew Kleinveldt, Wihan Lubbe (capt), Lesiba Ngoepe, Ruan de Swardt, Migael Pretorius, Caleb Seleka, Kerwin Mungroo, Odirile Modimokoane

Goldrush Boland secured their place in the CSA One-Day Cup knockouts after their match against the DP World Lions at DP World Wanderers on Wednesday was rained out.

The two points gained from the no result lifts Boland onto 21 points with one pool game remaining and although they can still be caught at the top of the table, no matter what happens in the final round they will finish in the top three.

The team that finishes top of the log will progress straight to the final, while the second and third placed sides will battle it out in a playoff to reach the trophy match.

The no result for the Lions ended their very slim hopes of making it into the playoffs and they will now be playing for pride in their final pool match.

Earlier in the day Boland won the toss and chose to bowl, and got off to a good start as Glenton Stuurman had Reeza Hendricks (2) caught by Gavin Kaplan, with the score 6-1 in the fourth over.

Wandile Makwetu (47) and Zubayr Hamza (15) looked to settle things with a 51-run second-wicket partnership, before Aya Gqamane struck, bowling Hamza to reduce the hosts to 57-2.

That soon became 65-3 as Mitchell van Buuren (4) was caught by Blayde Capell off the bowling of Akhona Mnyaka, and he was followed four overs later by Makwetu as the Mnyaka-Capell combo struck again, leaving the Lions on 83-4.

Connor Esterhuizen (36*) and Richard Seletswane (17), tried to revive the innings with a 42-run stand, only for Imran Manack to have Seletswane caught.

But just a few balls later the rain started falling, chasing the players from the field with the Lions on 126-5 in the 32nd over, before a huge Highveld storm blew in ending any chance of further play in the match.

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LIONS: Reeza Hendricks, Wandile Makwetu (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Mitchell van Buuren, Connor Esterhuizen, Richard Seletswane, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (capt), Codi Yusuf, Nqaba Peter.

BOLAND: Blayde Capell, Grant Roelofsen (wk), Gavin Kaplan, Aviwe Mgijima, Clyde Fortuin (capt), Lehan Botha, Aya Gqamane, Imran Manack, Glenton Stuurman, Akhona Mnyaka, Keith Dudgeon

Rivaldo Moonsamy and Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored astonishing centuries during an opening stand of 227 in just 23.1 overs to set up an eye-watering total of 440-5 and victory by 111 runs on the DLS method for the Multiply Momentum Titans against the Dafabet Warriors in their CSA One-Day Cup match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday.

The Titans have made 440 in 43 overs against the Warriors 😱🤯🔥🚀💥

Second highest total in One-Day Cup history, just 13 runs short of the highest, in 7 overs less 😂

Pretorius 107(69)
Moonsamy 126(83)
Brevis 75(44)
Brand 55(34)
Makhanya 46(22)

ABSOLUTE CARNAGE!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hz9lstRxDr

— Werner (@Werries_) March 2, 2025

Lightning and light rain forced the players from the field with the Warriors on 204-5 and when the players returned the Warriors required 159 to win from the remaining four overs leaving them to perform an exercise of rare futility, even by cricket’s standards.

They finished on 251-7 from 32 overs with CJ King clubbing an unbeaten 30 from 12 balls including four sixes.

A belligerent 94 from Matthew Breetzke, who faced just 72 balls striking 11 fours and two pulled sixes, added an air of normality to proceedings on a day full of the bizarre, including the Warriors’ choice to bowl first.

Both Titans openers enjoyed strike rates over 150 with Pretorius scything his way to 107 from a mere 69 balls while Moonsamy amassed 126 from only 83 balls with the former cutting, driving and sweeping his way to 11 fours and seven sixes while the latter struck 15 fours and six sixes.

Amazingly, Dewald Brevis actually increased the tempo against a completely shell-shocked bowling attack as he smashed a half a dozen fours and sixes during his 75 from 44 balls.

Dewald Brevis brings up his half-century before departing for a brilliant 75 off 44 balls! 🔥

A knock full of power and precision, DB 👌#1DayCup pic.twitter.com/gkml1UZEzr

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 2, 2025

Captain Neil Brand wasn’t going to miss the party and belted an unbeaten 55 from only 34 balls with five fours and a pair of sixes.

The runs keep flowing at SuperSport Park! 🔥

Neil Brand brings up a blazing half-century off just 33 balls!#1DayCup pic.twitter.com/Mjcd4kvkFF

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 2, 2025

SECOND-HIGHEST SCORE IN SA DOMESTIC 50-OVER CRICKET

Still the fireworks weren’t over with Sibs Makhanya making merry in the final overs with 46 not out from 22 balls with a solitary four but four sixes as the Warriors bowlers completely lost the plot.

Offspinner Jason Raubenheimer opened the bowling and his seven overs cost 51 runs, a run-rate of 7.28 making him comfortably the most economical of the six used.

Seamer Siya Plaatjie, meanwhile, bowled his first five overs at a cost of 71 and was given the dubious 'privilege' of bowling the final over of the innings to finish with 6-0-89-1.

He was not alone in his profligacy with Alfred Mothoa (8-0-89-1) and Andile Mokgakane (5-0-53-1) also conceding over 10 runs per over while Chris King (8-0-74-0) and captain Senuran Muthusamy (9-0-80-2) came close.

It was the second highest score ever posted in SA domestic 50-over cricket, just 13 runs behind the Titans own record of 453 scored against the NW Dragons two years ago – but that was off a full 50 overs.

INNINGS: The Sky Blues post a massive 440/5 on the board 🔥🔥#1DayCup pic.twitter.com/y5f3KpVaLj

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 2, 2025

The start of the match was delayed by an hour and reduced to 43 overs per side because of overnight rain and the home side seemed intent of making up for lost time from the first over.

It is perfectly reasonable to speculate that they might have scored 500 from a full allocation of overs.

The home side had won just one of their four matches before this bonus-point victory which moves them in to a share of fourth place and reignites their hopes of a playoff place.

MATCH RESULT: It's a W! 💙 We take victory in our last #1DayCup home fixture, sealing it with a bonus point win!#1DayCup | #WhereLegendsRise pic.twitter.com/ydCtb1wttv

— Momentum Multiply Titans (@Titans_Cricket) March 2, 2025

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TITANS: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wkt), Rivaldo Moonsamy, Keegan Petersen, Neil Brand (captain), Dewald Brevis, Sibs Makhanya, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dayyaan Galiem, Matthew Boast, Roelof van der Merwe, Junior Dala

WARRIORS: Jordan Hermann, JP King, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile (wkt), Patrick Kruger, Senuran Muthusamy (captain), Andile Mogakane, CJ King, Jason Raubenheimer, Siya Plaatjie, Alfred Mothoa

Jacques Snyman clubbed an imperious 160 to set the stage for the Knights' emphatic 74-run (DLS) victory over the DP World Lions in their CSA One-Day Challenge encounter at DP World Wanderers on Saturday.

The victory lifts the Knights into second position on the table.

Jacques Snyman's 160 leads the ITEC Knights to a 74-run victory over the DP World Lions 🔵🟡#1DayCup | #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/Q3zeMc4d7E

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 1, 2025

 The Lions won the toss and elected to field first.

Bjorn Fortuin, the Lions captain, made the call hoping his bowlers would utilise conditions and dominate.

The Knights answered emphatically with 292-7 in 39 overs.

The hosts had a couple of peaks as they hobbled to 220-9 in 39 overs in their chase.

SCINTILLATING SNYMAN 

The Lions dominated the first seven overs of the powerplay when the Knights were batting and it ended there.

Snyman yanked control of the encounter by spanking 20 runs off Evan Jones in the eighth over.

The innings was split into segments due to rain interrupting play.

The playing conditions were amended from 50 to 39 overs a side after the forced breaks.

However, the stoppages did not have an effect on Snyman's momentum.

The opener carved 12 fours and eight sixes on his way to 160 off 118.

This is the opener's seventh List A century. He faced 80 deliveries to reach the milestone.

This is Snyman's new career-best List A score. It is also the highest individual tally this season.

He is also now the leading run-scorer in the tournament. His outstanding innings ended when he failed to execute a ramp off Codi Yusuf.

Snyman singlehandedly wrestled control from the Lions bowlers who dominated the first few overs of the powerplay and refused to cede power throughout.

He shared a record-breaking 193-run second-wicket partnership with Dominic Hendricks.

Their partnership is the highest of any wicket this season.

Hendricks, who is on loan with the Knights for the 50-over competition, scored his first half-century for the Knights in their last match.

He followed it up with a patient knock, going at a strike rate of 69.9. The seasoned campaigner was the perfect foil for Snyman's free-flowing approach.

Hendricks perished with just under nine overs to go as he heaved the ball to deep extra cover while trying to put the foot on the gas.

He scored an 83-ball 58. This is Hendricks' 23rd List A half-century and he faced 79 deliveries to reach the landmark.

KNIGHTS' BOWLERS IN CONTROL

The Lions had three peaks, unfortunately, they were not enough to secure them victory.

The first was Evan Jones's five-wicket haul. The other two were Reeza Hendricks and Mitchell van Buuren's half-centuries.

Jones made a triumphant return to the Lions' one-day squad.

The medium-pacer ran through the Knights' middle-order as he brought things back at the death.

He bagged four of the six wickets that fell between the 31st and 39th over as he finished with five wickets for 56 runs in eight overs.

Hendricks and Mitchell van Buuren shared a 101-run third-wicket partnership that consolidated but was broken just as it was about to grow wings.

Hendricks was going at a rate that ensured that the Lions didn't fall too far behind the required rate until the moment Dane Piedt got a leading edge off him to offer Lesego Senokwane an easy catch.

The Proteas star fell for a well-played 54 off 52 balls.

His erstwhile partner, Van Buuren, registered his half-century shortly afterwards.

He faced 69 balls to mark his 11th List A half-ton. He was dismissed for 54 off 73 deliveries.

Unlike the Lions, the Knights' bowlers did not cede control of the match at any point.

They bowled disciplined lines and asked the hosts to take a risk to find scoring options.

Matthew Pollard was the pick of the bowlers for the Knights with three wickets for 56 runs in eight overs.

Tiaan van Vuuren and Dane Piedt finished with a brace each.

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Lions: Reeza Hendricks, Wandile Makwetu (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Mitchell van Buuren, Connor Esterhuizen, Richard Seletswane, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (capt), Codi Yusuf, Nqaba Peter.

Knights: Jacques Snyman, Lesego Senokwane, Dominic Hendricks (wk), Patrick Botha, Seth Fledermaus, Dian Forrester, Tiaan van Vuuren, Aaron Phangiso, Dane Piedt (capt), Malusi Siboto, Matthew Pollard.

Glenton Stuurman and Lehan Botha both recorded career-best figures to help Goldrush Boland a two-wicket, bonus-point victory over the North West University Dragons in a CSA One-Day Cup match at Eurolux Boland Park in Paarl on Saturday evening.

Stuurman grabbed 6-18 as the Dragons were bundled out for 179 in 43.5 overs after Stuurman had won the toss and elected to bowl first.

In reply, Botha top-scored with 66 with eight fours and two sixes to help the home side reach 180 for eight with 62 balls to spare.

Boland started tentatively with Blayde Capell lasting 10 balls without scoring before edging Migael Pretorius (7-1-31-1) to Ruan de Swardt at second slip.

Gavin Kaplan (12) cracked two glorious boundaries in six balls but then popped Kerwin Mungroo (7-1-28-1) straight to Matthew Kleinveldt in the covers.

Odirile Modimokoane (9-0-36-1) then castled Aviwe Mgijima (14) to leave the home side on 51 for three.

Botha and Grant Roelofsen (39) added 36 from 50 balls for the fourth wicket before the spin of Caleb Saleka (8.4-1-34-4) turned the match on its head.

Saleka found a gap in Roelofsen’s defences, taking out the off-stump after 65 deliveries and then bowled Ethan Cunningham with the very next delivery as Boland slumped to 87 for five.

But then a wonderful 78-run stand for the sixth wicket between Botha and Nathan Jacobs (28) from 90 balls steadied the home fans’ nerves.

Jacobs struck just three fours but the pair’s running between the wickets was purposeful, although the fans in the stadium at times had their hearts in their mouths.

The chase was to take another twist as Boland closed in on a possible bonus point when De Swardt (8-0-46-1) had Botha caught at short mid-wicket by Modimokoane.

Seleka then trapped Jacobs and Aya Gqamane (12) in front, leaving Boland needing two runs to win.

Imran Manack (2 not out) and Stuurman (1 not out) scrambled the winning runs two balls before the bonus-point cutoff to send the home side to 19 points at the top of the log.

LUBBE KNOCK IN VAIN AS STUURMAN CLEANS UP

Earlier, captain Wihan Lubbe top-scored with 54 from 80 deliveries, which included four boundaries.

Lubbe shared in two good stands for the visitors, first with Rubin Hermann (37) and then with Lesibe Ngoepe (33).

Manack (9-0-47-1) had Janneman Malan edging behind to Roelofsen with the second ball of the match before Stuurman removed Meeka-eel Prince (2) and Kleinveldt (5) to leave the visitors on 23 for three.

However, Lubbe and Hermann added 65 for the fourth wicket from 111 balls before Siya Mahima (3-0-21-1) had Hermann stumped by Roelofsen, after charging down the track.

However, Lubbe found some support from Ngoepe as the pair added 54 for the fifth wicket from just 62 balls before Cunningham (3-0-16-1) had Ngoepe caught by Botha on the deep mid-wicket fence.

Lubbe was then run out with some good fielding in the covers by Gqamane and excellent reactions at the non-striker’s end by Mgijima (10-0-36-0).

The rest of the Dragons’ line-up faded away as Stuurman cleaned up.

The Boland captain had De Swardt (21) brilliantly caught at mid-on by Manack, diving full length to his right with a one-handed catch.

Saleka edged behind to Roelofsen without scoring before Stuurman castled both Mungroo and Modimokoane without scoring, leaving Pretorius unbeaten on 13.

Boland travel to Johannesburg to take on the DP World Lions on Wednesday while the Dragons host the Momentum Multiply Titans.

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Goldrush Boland – Blayde Capell, Grant Roelofsen (wk), Gavin Kaplan, Aviwe Mgijima, Ethan Cunningham, Lehan Botha, Aya Gqamane, Nathan Jacobs, Imran Manack, Glenton Stuurman (capt), Siyabonga Mahima.

North West University Dragons – Rubin Hermann, Janneman Malan, Meeka-eel Prince (wk), Matthew Kleinveldt, Wihan Lubbe (capt), Lesiba Ngoepe, Ruan de Swardt, Migael Pretorius, Caleb Seleka, Kerwin Mungroo, Odirile Modimokoane.

Half centuries by Jon-Jon Smuts, Tshepang Dithole the impressive Hanu Viljoen helped pave the way for Hollywoodbets Dolphins to continue their 1 Day Cup improvement with a mighty 194-run win over World Sports Betting Western Province in Cape Town on Friday.

The visitors also produced a fine bowling display that was led by Prenelan Subrayen as 317 for six played 123 all out.

The spinner claimed three for 27 and was supported expertly by Tristan Luus (3/36), Ottniel Baartman (2/20) as the defending champions were sent tumbling in just 26.5 overs at World Sports Betting Newlands to stay bottom of the table with a 1-4 (win-loss) record. 

The Dolphins, meanwhile, climbed to fourth now just three points off leaders Goldrush Boland.

And they were fully deserved winners of their second win of the campaign after an excellent performance that was set up by their batters.

Veteran Smuts struck 61 off 61 balls (8 fours) and Tshepang Dithole hit 67 off 82 balls (10 fours) during an opening partnership of 129. That was followed by 48 from Bryce Parsons, before Hanu Viljoen (74 off 63 balls, 8 fours) and Eathan Bosch (40* off 26 balls) provided the finishing touches to lift the Durban side beyond 300.

In contrast, WP were under the pump from the get go after both openers fell for ducks.

Their struggles continued right the way through after they slipped to 22 for three, though they were rescued from complete annihilation by Proteas batter David Bedingham (45), one of just two batters to hit double figures.

They then slipped from 62 for three to 78 for eight in a matter of 6.4 overs, with Kyle Simmonds (30) ensuring they at least crossed 100, before being last man out in a forgettable loss.