Dolphins Win One Day Cup as Tuskers and Iinyathi Share Division 2 Honours

Dolphins Clinch One Day Cup Title as Tuskers and Iinyathi Share Division 2 Honours

Dolphins Secure First 50-Over Title Since 2020/21 in Thrilling Win Over Boland

PAARL – The Hollywoodbets Dolphins emerged as One Day Cup champions after a tense four-wicket victory over Goldrush Boland in front of a packed crowd in Paarl on Sunday. The Dolphins successfully chased down 248, overcoming key setbacks along the way to claim their first 50-over title since 2020/21.

Boland’s resilience took the final into the last over, but the visitors held their nerve, securing victory with five balls to spare. The match was shaped by a stunning 97-run eighth-wicket stand from Ayabulela Gqamane and Imran Manack, who lifted their side from 142/7 to a competitive 247/8.

However, Dolphins opener Jon-Jon Smuts proved to be the difference, leading his side’s response with a match-winning 91 off 111 balls. Rookie batter Hanu Viljoen (35*) then held firm in the final stages to see his team home.

Gqamane and Manack Rescue Boland from Collapse

The home side looked in deep trouble early on after being sent in to bat. Dolphins’ captain Prenelan Subrayen (2/35) struck in just the third over to remove Blayde Capell for two. Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj (2/36) then dismantled the middle order, dismissing Gavin Kaplan (6) and Aviwe Mgijima (1), leaving Boland struggling at 23/4 by the 12th over.

Despite efforts from captain Clyde Reeves-Fortuin (54) and former Dolphins player Grant Roelofsen (41), further wickets left Boland on the verge of collapse at 142/7. It was then that Gqamane (69 off 77 balls) and Manack (50* off 39 balls) launched a remarkable fightback, steering their side to a defendable total of 247/8.

Smuts Anchors Dolphins’ Chase

In response, Dolphins’ chase got off to a cautious start as Tshepang Dithole fell early to Glenton Stuurman for 11. However, Smuts and Bryce Parsons (30) built a solid foundation with a 69-run stand before Parsons departed.

Despite a double strike from Siyabonga Mahima (3/25) that removed Jason Smith (1) and Smuts with 60 still needed, Khaya Zondo’s 45 and a composed effort from Viljoen and Eathan Bosch (20) ensured the Dolphins reached the target in 15.5 overs, securing a well-earned victory.

Division 2 One Day Cup Title Shared After Rain Ruins Final

Meanwhile, in Division 2, the ACDC Express Tuskers and Eastern Cape Iinyathi were declared joint champions after persistent rain forced an early conclusion to the final at the AET Pietermaritzburg Oval.

Despite multiple attempts to resume play across both the scheduled match day and the reserve day, poor weather conditions prevented further action, resulting in the two teams sharing the trophy.

While both sides would have preferred to battle it out for outright glory, the joint championship reflects their consistency and strong performances throughout the tournament.