A century by Vaughn van Jaarsveld helped the Hollywoodbets Dolphins make a solid start to their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the log-leading World Sports Betting Cape Cobras in their decisive final-round encounter in Pietermaritzburg on Monday. The hosts reached the close at the City Oval on 293 for six thanks to the opener's 21st career century. Van Jaarsveld made 120 (153 balls, 16 fours, 1 six) and shared in a 111-run opening stand with Michael Erlank, who made exactly 50 (121 balls, 8 fours) in his second game for the franchise. Their partnership laid a solid foundation for basement side the Dolphins against a visiting side that need nothing less than victory in their pursuit of a first four-day crown since 2013/14. They went int the game with just over a three-point lead over the bizhub Highveld Lions, but were on the backfoot early on as the home openers got away after losing the toss and being asked to bat first. After their stand was eventually broken by George Linde, who was outstanding with four for 62, wickets began to fall more regularly. The Dolphins batsmen would have been kicking themselves, though, as everyone bar Sibonelo Makhanya (0), had starts. Marques Ackerman (23) added 50 for the second wicket with Van Jaarsveld, with 55 following between the latter and captain Khaya Zondo (25) for wicket number three. After the dismissal of the centurion left the score on 226 for five, Grant Roelofsen (17) and Senuran Muthusamy (27 not out) added 38 together, with Keshav Maharaj (20 not out) keeping the latter company at the close. Dolphins 293-6 (VB van Jaarsveld 120, MN Erlank 50, S Muthusamy 27 not out, K Zondo 25, MJ Ackerman 23, KA Maharaj 20 not out; GF Linde 4-62, D Paterson 1-58, DL Piedt 1-99) Cape Cobras Still to bat Cape Cobras won the toss and elected to field Footage: Cricket South Africa
Proteas coach Ottis Gibson addresses the media after the Proteas returned home from a disastrous 2019 World Cup campaign.
Proteas fans remain optimistic ahead of the match against New Zealand.
Anitha Madikizela chats to Dolphins paceman Daryn Dupavillon ahead of the One-Day Cup final for the Dolphins against the Titans at Centurion on 31 March 2019. Dupavillon had been recalled to the Dolphins side that beat the Warriors by seven wickets with 185 balls remaining in the semi-final of the One-Day Cup match at Durban.
Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje talks to the media after his haul of 3-57 in the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka at George's Park on Wednesday. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis chats to the press after South Africa's comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka at Durban on Sunday which secured a 3-0 series victory for the Proteas with two matches in hand. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Aiden Markram speaks to the media after his innings of 60 for South Africa in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Proteas paceman Duanne Olivier speaks to the media after returning figures of 4-3-3-1 on day three of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Footage: Cricket South Africa
Dale Steyn talks to the media after a superb bowling display on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead. Footage: Cricket South Africa