Dean Elgar hit 68 off 90 balls to help set the tone for Somerset in their Royal One Day Cup opener against Surrey on Friday.
The Proteas Test opener showed his skills on the 50-over stage by helping his side recover from what looked like a certain defeat.
This came after Surrey posted 290-8 in their 50 overs, in what was an amazing turnaround from the home side at Taunton.
Elgar was left with a challenging task after Somerset were reduced to 22-5, and played a familiar anchoring role to help save them from a humiliating opening match in front of their home fans.
With a target of 269 runs left to chase, Elgar was joined by Roelof van der Merwe as the pair laid the foundation for victory for Somerset with a record sixth-wicket stand of 213 runs, before Elgar fell for 68.
Elgar batted quicker than usual to reach his half-century in 62 balls, and ended his innings on 68 off 90 balls (three fours and a six).
Johannesburg-born Van der Merwe, who now plays for the Netherlands, was the star of the day as he continued the onslaught to take his side over the line with 37 balls remaining.
The 32-year-old ended on a mammoth 165 off 122 balls (24 fours and a six) to earn himself the Man of the Match award.
Dane Vilas:
The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 39 off 40 balls for Lancashire in their defeat against Leicestershire. Lanc posted a massive total of 314-8 as Leics replied with 311-7 after a 20-minute rain delay, which reduced their target to 309.
It was a disappointing loss at Old Trafford, Manchester, the visitors winning by three wickets (D/L Method).
Lancashire v Leicestershire scorecard
Photo: Harry Trump/Getty/Cricinfo
