An explosive century from Dane Vilas helped the Dolphins take control of their Sunfoil Series match against the Highveld Lions at the Wanderers.
They ended day two on 318-7 — a lead of 72 over the Lions’ first-innings offering of 246 — thanks to Vilas’ 128 off 152 balls, which included 19 fours and a six.
He received excellent back-up from Vaughn van Jaarsveld, who smashed 42 off 31 balls to put on 89 runs for the second wicket in only 12 overs even though they lost Sarel Erwee without scoring.
Senuran Muthusamy then anchored the innings as Vilas ran riot. He contributed 56 off 115 balls for a third-wicket stand of 150, at which point Vilas mistimed a shot to be well taken by Stephen Cook at mid-off. That prompted a clatter of wickets as promising partnerships were cut short, as the Dolphins went from 239-2 to 318-7, with Calvin Savage holding up his end with 46 off 62 balls.
The Dolphins still have 14 overs in which to accumulate batting points, and in a race as tight as this, those will be important.
They have a great opportunity to secure a second win in the series, which could give them a massive boost in the title race, especially as the Warriors’ domination of the Knights in East London was dampened by a day of rain which prevented any play.
Highveld Lions vs Dolphins scorecard
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix