Marques Ackerman’s half-century helped the KZN Dolphins beat the KZN Inland Tuskers by 19 runs in Potchefstroom on Monday.
The left-hander hit six fours and a six in a 36-ball 54 that helped the Durban-based side post 151-7, before Tristan Luus grabbed 2-30 to help restrict their Pietermaritzburg-based rivals to 132-5.
The other match on double-header Monday between the Northerns Titans and North West Dragons only lasted 17.1 overs before rain forced the game to be abandoned and the points shared.
The results saw the Dolphins strengthen their grip on fourth spot on the T20 Challenge log, while the two points apiece saw both the Dragons and Titans lose ground in fourth and fifth.
Batting first after losing the toss, the Dolphins found themselves in early trouble after a triple strike by Mbulelo Budaza (3-27) rocked their top order and left them on 15-3.
Ackerman and Khaya Zondo (21) initially rebuilt, with a 58-run fourth-wicket stand, before another flurry of wickets saw the Dolphins sink to 92-7 – this time Smangaliso Nhlebela (2-28) and Thando Ntini (2-24) causing the damage.
But Andile Phehlukwayo (30*) and Prenelan Subrayen (28*) then added an unbroken 59 to bolster the Dolphins to a 152 target.
The Tuskers were never really in the game after losing Cameron Delport (five) early, and despite the efforts of Kagiso Rapulana (43), Tian Koekemoer (26) and Keith Dudgeon (35), they came up well short.
Subrayen (1-23) and Phehlukwayo (1-28) were also amongst the wickets for the Durbanites.
In the day’s second game, the Titans reached 139-4 against the Dragon when the elements struck.
Rivaldo Moonsamy (33), Sibonelo Makhanya (52 off 39 balls; four fours, two sixes) and Neil Brand (25*) were all amongst the runs for the defending champions.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
