A maiden List A century by Zubayr Hamza laid the foundation for the Cape Cobras to edge the Dolphins by five runs on the DLS Method in their round three Momentum One-Day encounter in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

The Proteas batsman was in supreme form, striking 129 off 133 balls (8 fours, 1 six) to help his side amass 320 for six.

After a brief rain delay during the chase – and the target being revised to 286 in 43 overs – Jason Smith bagged three for 36 to restrict the hosts to 280 for nine.

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It ended a closely-fought affair and inflicted a first loss of the 2019-20 term on the in-form KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

The Cobras were full value for their win, though, especially after the way they batted.

Another Protea, Pieter Malan offered them a strong start with his innings of 71 (81 balls, 8 fours) after they won the toss and batted. He put on 111 with Hamza for the second wicket, before Smith (29) and the top-scorer combined for 62 during their third-wicket partnership.

George Linde (49) also joined the fun when he helped Hamza add 78 for the fourth wicket – the Cape side eventually setting 321.

The Dolphins had a good go at the target thanks once again to the in-form Grant Roelofsen. The young wicket-keeper, who hit his maiden ton on Friday, made 69 off 80 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), sharing in stands of 74 with Sarel Erwee (30) for the first wicket and then 68 alongside Vaughn van Jaarsveld (41) for the next wicket.

But quick wickets by Smith pegged back the Dolphins.

Khaya Zondo (44) and Robbie Frylinck (32) did their best to keep pace, but scoreboard pressure eventually caught up with them as the Dolphins fell agonisingly short.

Photo: Gallo Images