Pietersen ton takes Dolphins to second win

Kevin Pietersen's unbeaten 66-ball 115 helped Dolphins edge out Lions by one run in a Ram Slam T20 Challenge clash at the Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday.

Dolphins were entirely reliant on Pietersen for their runs after slipping to 87 for 6 in the 15th over, with Khaya Zondo (24) and Keshav Maharaj (13 not out) the only other batsmen to make double-figures. The final push in the Dolphins innings came when Pietersen and Maharaj clobbered 87 runs in their stand of 5.5 overs, to double their score to post 174 for 6, with Pietersen hitting five fours and 10 sixes. He struck four consecutive sixes off Dwaine Pretorius in the last over that conceded 30 runs.

Lions' reply was powered by Rassie van der Dussen (32) and Devon Conway (63 off 46), who laid the foundation with a 58-run opening stand. Alviro Petersen, who walked in at the fall of van der Dussen's wicket, carried his good form into the T20s to make an unbeaten 48 off 35, even as Titans fell inches short of the target.

Lions, who needed 13 off the final over, could manage only 11 off pacer Andile Phehlukwayo, as they finished with 173 for 2. Dolphins' second win of the competition took them to the top of the table.