Dolphins finally notched up a win in the Momentum One Day Cup and it was a massive one, their 128-run margin of victory against Knights in Bloemfontein earning them a bonus point.
Cameron Delport scored 58 at the top of the order, after Dolphins chose to bat, and led his team to a comfortable position at 103 for 1 in the 21st over. However, Delport was the second of two wickets to fall in the space of two runs, and Dolphins slipped to 105 for 3. They were revived by Vaughn van Jaarsveld, who made 91 off 73 balls with a dozen fours and one six, and David Miller and Robert Frylinck, who made quick 30s. Dolphins finished on 311 for 8 in 50 overs.
Knights suffered a setback in the field when key batsman Reeza Hendricks slid at third-man and had to go to hospital with ankle ligament damage. He did not bat.
Chasing 312, Knights lost Rilee Rossouw and the captain Ryan Bailey for single-digit scores and slipped to 22 for 2 in the eighth over. Opener Michael Erlank top scored for Knights with 47 but the lack of contributions from his team-mates left them with no chance.
New-ball bowler Craig Alexander took 3 for 31 in eight overs for Dolphins and also held two catches. Offspinner Imraan Khan claimed 3 for 24. Knights were dismissed for 183 in 39 overs as it began to rain.
"That's what we expect from the bowlers," Dolphins captain Daryn Smit said. "Maybe we have been a bit harsh considering that the guys haven't had the best preparation, but I'm really pleased with that performance."
Knights stand-in captain Ryan McLaren said: "We were outplayed in all three departments today, and we will have to improve and turn it around in our next game."
The win put Dolphins third in the
points table; Knights were fourth.