27 Mar Erwee hits ton before Titans fire back
DURBAN: A ninth career century by Sarel Erwee helped the Hollywoodbets Dolphins share honours with the Momentum Multiply Titans on what was effectively the first day of the 4-Day Domestic Series final in Durban on Saturday.
Only 10 overs had been possible on day one and day two as rain, bad light and a wet outfield took its toll, but 77 overs were sent down on day three – a period in which the home side managed to reach 258 for seven at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
That was thanks to Erwee, who struck exactly 100 (192 balls, 14 fours), and 74 (137 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) from captain Marques Ackerman. The pair put on 135 together, but after they departed, there was not much else to speak of for the hosts.
Debutant Kyle Simmonds (2/95) and fellow spinner Neil Brand (2/18) were the main threat for the Titans, with seamers Okuhle Cele (1/40) and Dayyaan Galiem (1/50) also excellent.
The performance of the bowlers, especially with the older ball late on, helped the visitors drag themselves back into a match that become a three-day affair due to the weather.
And the Titans will be happy with the way they ended it after a period in which they looked like they were being batted out of it.
Following a 90-minute delay at the start due to a wet outfield, the Dolphins resumed on 31 for one and quickly lost Keegan Petersen to Galiem for 16.
But Erwee and Ackerman combined for a key third-wicket partnership in which the former completed his second ton of the season and also took his aggregate for 2020/21 past the 500-run mark. The latter also went on to post his highest score of the term as their side was cruising on 182 for two.
Even after Erwee departed to Simmonds, Khaya Zondo (21) helped add 38 for the next wicket to take the score to 220 for three.
However, Simmonds struck again, before Zondo fell to a poor stroke off Thando Ntini (1/28).
Brand then added two wickets to his name, leaving the Dolphins hanging on at the close through Ruan de Swardt (18) and Prenelan Subrayen (0).
Play will resume at 09h00 on Sunday. A reminder that the final, which is being played over five days, is being broadcast live on SuperSport.