Marques Ackerman guided the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to a 12-run victory (DLS Method) over the Momentum Multiply Titans in their 1Day Cup clash in Durban on Thursday.
After the Titans won the toss and elected to bowl, Dolphins posted a competitive 281/9 in their allotted 50 overs, anchored by a superb 92 off 74 balls from Ackerman.
The Dolphins had a cautious start after losing Tshepang Dithole early, trapped lbw by Duan Jansen before scoring any runs.
Jon-Jon Smuts added 22 before falling to Gerald Coetzee, leaving the hosts at 53/2.
A crucial third-wicket partnership between Ackerman and Slade van Staden steadied the innings. Van Staden contributed a well-compiled 64 from 79 deliveries, striking nine boundaries as the pair guided the Dolphins past the 150 mark.
Ackerman continued to accelerate before eventually falling for 92, caught off the bowling of Andile Phehlukwayo.
Useful contributions down the order from Gomolemo Phiri (31) and Eathan Bosch (25) ensured the Dolphins finished strongly to reach 281/9.
Jansen was the pick of the Titans’ bowlers with figures of 3/54, while Dayyaan Galiem claimed 2/40.
Rain interruptions later reduced the Titans’ chase to a revised target of 164 in 20 overs via the DLS method. The visitors struggled to build momentum as wickets fell regularly.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rivaldo Moonsamy were dismissed early, leaving the Titans under pressure.
Keegan Petersen (18) and Keagan Lion-cachet (14) attempted to rebuild but the required rate continued to climb.
The Dolphins’ bowlers applied consistent pressure, with Andile Simelane producing an outstanding spell of 4/29 to derail the chase. Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir also played a key role, returning economical figures of 2/10.
Late resistance from Phehlukwayo (26), Gerald Coetzee (20) and Jansen (23*) brought the Titans close, but they ultimately fell short at 152/9 in their 20 overs.
The result secured a valuable win for the Dolphins, with Ackerman’s near-century and Simelane’s four-wicket haul proving decisive in a rain-affected encounter.
