An unbeaten hundred by the Dolphins captain took the coastal side to a five wicket win over the Titans in the first game of the One Day Cup.

Morne van Wyk won the toss and asked the Titans to bat first. His team faced a clear sky, quick outfield, flat wicket and thin air that allows the ball to fly. As a result he would have expected to chase a big target, but it’s a notoriously difficult ground to defend a target.

The Titans batsmen made full use of the favourable conditions and posted more than Van Wyk would have bargained on. Theunis de Bruyn rode his luck before Vaughn van Jaarsveld finally held onto a catch to send him packing for a 90-ball 108.

Farhaan Behardien then showed why many cricket lovers think he’s one of the best finishers in the country. He dispatched the attack to all parts, taking his team to an above par 340-6 in their allotted 50 overs. The former Protea walked off undefeated after scoring 105 off just 67 deliveries.

There was a heavy shower during the interval, which reduced the equation for the Dolphins to 301 off 42 overs for victory. Cameron Delport and Cody Chetty fell cheaply, but Van Wyk and Van Jaarsveld got the chase back on track.

Van Jaarsveld gave his wicket away, trying to launch one too many into the crowd, but his contribution of 62 off 54 balls left the Dolphins in a position to strike. His departure left the scoreboard reading 188-3 after 29 overs with the captain still striking it sweetly.

Van Wyk showed all his experience by carrying his bat and taking the team home. His 121 not out off just 112 deliveries guided the Dolphins to a five wicket win with five balls to spare. The victory not only gets their campaign off to the perfect start, but exacts revenge for the semi-final loss to the Titans last season.

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