Dolphins end season with big win

A collective effort from Dolphins' bowlers, led by seamers Rabian Engelbrecht and Craig Alexander, helped them end their season with a 118-run win over Knights at Kingsmead in Durban. The win, however, had no effect on Dolphins' position in the points table, as they finished fifth, behind Cobras. The result, however, hurt Knights, as they conceded the second spot to Lions.

Chasing 382, Knights were reduced to 25 for 4 in 13 overs. Rilee Rossouw, who top scored with 84, and Rudi Second, the wicketkeeper-batsman, rebuilt the innings with a 148-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Andile Phehlukwayo, the seamer, then broke the stand in the 67th over when he had Second caught by Sarel Erwee. Phehlukwayo soon had Rossouw caught behind as Knights were weakened to 181 for 6. Tumelo Bodibe and Malusi Siboto pitched in with thirties each, but Knights were eventually bowled out for 263. Engelbrecht was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 43.

Dolphins had begun steadily, scoring 203 for 3 in 74 overs on the opening day, after being asked to bat. Vaughn van Jaarsveld made 106 - his 14th first-class century - while Senuran Muthusamy and Daryn Smit shone with half-centuries. Dolphins were also helped by lower-order contributions from Keshav Maharaj (31), Mthokozisi Shezi (28*), Alexander (21) and Engelbrecht (28) as they finished with 375. Right-arm seamer Dillon du Preez returned five wickets for Knights.

Alexander's 6 for 60 then ensured Knights were kept to 218 in their reply. Opener Reeza Hendricks was dismissed in the third over, but Michael Erlank hit a fifty to lift his side. Rossouw and Second built on the platform, but the lower-middle order fell away, as the Knights conceded a 157-run first-innings lead.

Captain Imran Khan then helped Dolphins consolidate by scoring an unbeaten 106, including 14 fours, with support from van Jaarsveld, who followed his ton with a fifty in the second dig. Dolphins declared on 224 for 3 to set Knights a steep target.