Marques Ackerman, Robbie Frylinck and Khaya Zondo all produced half-centuries on a strong opening day for the Dolphins in the 4-day Domestic Series against the Knights in Bloemfontein on Monday.

The visitors, who won the toss and batted at the Mangaung Oval, gave themselves a solid foundation for the round-two encounter by reaching stumps on 333-7.

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They were led by Ackerman’s attacking 88 off 96 balls (13 fours) and Frylinck’s almost equally fluent 78 off 99 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), with Zondo anchoring the way at the other end with his unbeaten 63 (138 balls, 6 fours, 1 six).

The bowling for the central franchise was once again led by rising young teenage pacer Gerald Coetzee, who finished with 4-60.

The 19-year-old, who claimed six wickets on debut last week, was at it again as early as the sixth over when he got rid of Vaughn van Jaarsveld for 13.

Then came the first of many good partnerships for the Dolphins, with Ackerman and Jason Oakes (37) putting on 87 for the second wicket.

The former next put on 73 with Cody Chetty (48) for the third wicket, before three quick wickets left the Dolphins in a bit of trouble on 194-5.

A stand of 127 for wicket No 6 between Frylinck and Zondo then led the recovery, before Corne Dry (2-66) landed the breakthrough in the 83rd over.

Prenelan Subrayen (0) was also dismissed late in the day, but captain Zondo stood firm to reach stumps undefeated.

Photo: Gallo Images