Behardien reaches 6 000 runs but Dolphins fight back

Veteran batsman Farhaan Behardien went past 6 000 first-class runs as the Multiply Titans edged ahead of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins on day two of their 4-Day Franchise Series opener at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday. The 34-year-old, who is also closing in on 5 000 one-day runs, was one of two half-centurions for his side on what was the second day of the new domestic season. Behardien top-scored with 68 (150 balls, 9 fours), while night watchman Eldred Hawken chipped in with 52 (100 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) to frustrate the visitors at the start of play. However, the Dolphins managed to hit back as the day progressed and eventually bowled out the defending champions for 308 – a lead of 39 – with Calvin Savage the best of the bowlers with four for 61. The end result would have been deemed a satisfactory one for the Durban side, especially after they returned to bat and reached stumps on 12 without loss. This after the Titans had initially made a strong reply to their 269 day-one total. When the Titans resumed in the morning on nine for one, Andrea Agathangelou (21) helped Hawken take the score to 47, before he fell to Savage, with his overnight partner next to go just after 100 was raised for his joint career-best total. Theunis de Bruyn (34), Behardien and Henry Davids (35) then combined to help the hosts to 213 for four and put themselves in a powerful position. But Kerwin Mungroo (3/48) helped Savage chip away at the lower order as the Dolphins hit back to send their opponents tumbling from 281 for six to 308 all out in 98.4 overs. The away side then returned to bat for three overs and they managed to get through to stumps unscathed thanks to Jason Oakes (seven) and Grant Roelofsen (five).