The Cobras chased down a target of 179, set by the Dolphins, to achieve the highest T20 run-chase at Kingsmead on Sunday. 

Fifties by Richard Levi and Dane Vilas vaulted the Cobras back into contention for a knockout spot as they posted 181-3 in 18.4 overs, scoring at almost 10 runs per over.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Dolphins, led by their captain Morne van Wyk, started off exceptionally well. However, he fell just short of his second half-century of the tournament on 44. This set the tone for a Kevin Pietersen onslaught, as he hit five sixes and three fours to reach an entertaining 79 off 51 balls. With help from Khaya Zondo, who saw out his side’s innings with a well-deserved 40, the Dolphins posted 178-5 in their 20 overs.

The Cobras were faced with what seemed to be an impossible task based on their miserable track record so far this season, but they showed amazing fight back to smash criticism out the park. Levi (54) led the way, smashing eight fours and a six and racked up a fifty-run partnership with Vilas off just 31 balls.

Vilas was joined by West Indies international, Kieron Pollard, after Levi lost his wicket in the 13th over and the pair put on a match-winning, unbeaten 65-run partnership which saw Vilas (54 not out) reach a half century in his first game back for his franchise since 20 October, after being with the Proteas Test squad Down Under.

Witness the record run chase:

Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images