An unbeaten century by Neil McKenzie was the shining light on a grey evening in Durban where the weather prevented a result in the Momentum One Day Cup match between the Dolphins and Lions.
With a bit of rain about, Morne van Wyk won the toss and chose to bowl first in a game that had been reduced to 45 overs side. The decision yielded immediate dividends as Alviro Petersen was dismissed for a duck by Craig Alexander.
The ball moved around for the first hour and the Dolphins took full advantage. In the 17th over the Lions were in real trouble at 45-3. That is when Neil McKenzie and Jean Symes started the recovery.
McKenzie showed all his experience, backing up his half-century on Sunday, by compiling a perfectly paced innings. After a period of consolidation he started to dominate the change bowlers, while Symes grew in stature at the other end.
The two exploded at the death, posting 233-3 at the end of their allotted 45 overs. McKenzie and Symes added 188 for the fourth wicket and walked off unbeaten on 101 and 97, respectively.
More rain at the break meant that the chase was reduced to 42 overs with an adjusted 228 runs required for victory. It got off to the worst possible start as Lonwabo Tsotsobe dismissed Cameron Delport for a duck to leave the scoreboard reading 1-1 after one over.
The heavens then opened, forcing the players from the field. When they eventually returned, the equation had changed again. The Dolphins required another 157 runs for victory off 18 overs. However, before a ball had even been bowled, the umpires decided that the ground staff had not done enough to make the field suitable for play and with a handshake the match was abandoned.
The result means that the teams will share the points. After McKenzie’s brilliant innings, the Lions will be a little disappointed. The Dolphins on the other hand will feel that they have dodged a bullet and will be happy with the two log points that take the Durban franchise to the top of the log.
Photo: Backpagepix
