The KZN Dolphins capitalised on the EP Warriors’ quota system breach with a 65-run win against the Northerns Titans in the One-Day Cup qualifier playoff at Kingsmead on Wednesday.
The Titans had been set to host the Warriors in the playoff match between the teams that finished second and third on the log.
But the Warriors were on Monday docked five log points by CSA for only selecting two black African players among their required six players of colour (instead of three) for their match against the Dolphins in Durban on 16 February, with the Dolphins awarded four log points.
That saw the Dolphins move up to second on the log and the Titans drop down to third – and the qualifier playoff taking place at Kingsmead instead of Centurion.
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On Wednesday, Dolphins rookie Hanu Viljoen played a key role in the result by striking a priceless half-century, his third in as many innings.
It was an incredible turnaround for the hosts against a Titans side that had been in prolific form in recent rounds.
The Dolphins lost their first five wickets before 100 was raised – Tshepang Dithole (eight), Bryce Parsons (15), Jon-Jon Smuts (22), Khayelihle Zondo (20) and Jason Smith (14).
Former KZN all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo did most of the damage, taking 4-28.
But the hosts regrouped through Viljoen, who made 57 off 65 balls (four fours, one six) and Eathan Bosch (40). The pair put on 86 for the sixth wicket to take their side up to 177-5.
But they again found themselves in a fix when Bosch fell to Phehlukwayo, Roelof van der Merwe (2-33) got rid of Viljoen and Andile Simelane (three) also departed.
But spinners Keshav Maharaj (25*) and Prenelan Subrayen (17*) scrapped to the end to help them reach 228-8.
The Titans also struggled with the bat, losing five wickets before reaching 100.
They began on the back foot as Bosch brilliantly ran out Rivaldo Moonsamy for nine as he attempted a quick single.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (12) and Keegan Petersen (18) fell to fast bowler Tristan Luus (3-48), while Neil Brand managed just seven as he was dismissed by Subrayen (1-35).
Jhedli van Briesies (14) was bowled by Maharaj (3-37).
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Another of the Titans’ in-form players, Dewald Brevis, top-scored with 36 off 25 balls (four sixes), but lacked support.
Once he fell with the score on 103, the writing was on the wall for the Titans as they succumbed for 163 in 36.4 overs.
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images
