Van Jaarsveld, Savage help Dolphins thrive

Half-centuries from Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Calvin Savage put the Hollywoodbets Dolphins firmly in the driving seat before bad light halted their charge late on the third day of their 4-Day Franchise Series encounter against the Multiply Titans in Centurion on Friday. The visitors had progressed to 294 for seven – a lead of 255 – when stumps were drawn with more than 20 overs still to go. It meant the draw looked like the most likely outcome with only the final day to come at SuperSport Park on Saturday. But the Durbanites will still be feeling proud of their day three effort that put them ahead in the game. They started the day on 12 for none and 27 runs in the red as Jason Oakes (18) and Grant Roelofsen (37) put them in the green with a 49-run opening stand. After the pair had departed, Cody Chetty (32) and Van Jaarsveld, who made 67 off 97 balls (9 fours, 1 six), added 76 for the third wicket to keep the momentum going. The Titans did manage to claw their way back thanks to three wickets by Shaun von Berg (3/64) that left the away side on 215 for six. Savage, who took four wickets when the champions batted on day two, then showed his skill with the bat by hitting an unbeaten 51 off 80 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) to put the Dolphins back in charge. But the day ended prematurely after only 75 overs denting the visiting side’s chances of building an even bigger lead.