The Dolphins got their Momentum One-Day Cup defence off to a solid start with a 76-run victory over the Titans on Saturday.

The 2021 edition of the competition got under way at Senwes Park with with the first Pool A encounter, featuring the two powerhouse outfits.

The Durban-based side proved too strong, however, doing a great job with the bat before a clinical bowling display got them over the line.

Sent in to bat first, Dolphins openers Marques Ackerman and Grant Roelofsen made a steady start before the latter was undone by Dayyaan Galiem for 19.

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Two quick wickets tumbled the Dolphins to 51-3 but Roelofsen kicked on, though, and brought up a good half-century as the Dolphins crawled back with the bat.

Andile Phehlukwayo (51) and Robert Frylinck (30) then took the attack to the Titans, while Senuran Muthusamy contributed an unbeaten 70 for the Dolphins to finish their 50 overs on 272-7.

In reply, the Titans batting unit struggled to get going, losing wickets regularly and failing to establish any worthy partnerships.

Theunis de Bruyn top-scored with 36, emphasising the Titans’ battle to score frequently. In the end, the men from Pretoria managed 196-8 in their 50 overs.

Ruan de Swart was the pick of the Dolphins bowlers, claiming figures of 3-30, while Kerwin Mungroo and Muthusamy each picked up two scalps.

The Dolphins will face the Knights on Sunday in the second match of Pool A.