Van Jaarsveld takes Titans to the top

The Titans moved to the top of the Standard Bank Cup table thanks to a 111 not out from Martin van Jaarsveld as they cruised to a six wicket win over the Dolphins with 14 balls to spare.

Set a big target of 247, the Titans innings got away in a rush but some poor discipline, first from Alviro Petersen running past a Andrew Tweedie ball to be bowled for 30, then Goolam Body involved in a silly run out for 20 and finally Zander de Bruyn also walking past a Tweedie delivery for six, put the brakes on the rate, giving the Dolphins a slight opening. Van Jaarsveld and Gerald Dros (28) got the innings back on track putting on 66 runs and opening the way for Johan Myburgh (48 not out) to play some entertaining shots. It was however van Jaarsveld who took the honours going to his 100 off 94 balls and then taking the Titans to victory.

Earlier the Dolphins innings had not got off the ground with both openers out within the first five overs. Hashim Amla steadied the ship with a solid 49 but it was Dale Benkenstein (87 not out) and Lance Klusener (49 not out) who gave the Dolphins a defendable total of 246 for 6. They struck nine boundaries and six sixes in their undefeated 91-run partnership as 70 came in the final seven overs.

However, one must question the Dolphins' tactic of sending in Klusener at No.8, and remaining unbeaten at the end of the innings. Ethy Mbhalati was the most impressive Titans bowler taking 1 for 13 in seven overs.