Matthew Breetzke struck an unbeaten century as the EP Warriors secured a six-wicket win over the KZN Dolphins in the One-Day Cup opener on Friday.
After winning the toss in Gqeberha, the Dolphins chose to bat and posted 279-7 in 50 overs, built on solid contributions through the middle and lower order.
The visitors recovered from early setbacks thanks to Slade van Staden (52 off 54 balls) and Marques Ackerman (52 off 58), who shared a key third-wicket stand. Khaya Zondo added 39, while Hanu Viljoen anchored the latter stages with a well-played 74 off 73 balls. Eathan Bosch ended on 23* off 19.
Kerwin Mungroo and Aphiwe Mnyanda each took two wickets for the Warriors, who chased down the target in 47.2 overs.
Matthew de Villiers (36) and Jordan Hermann (28) laid a steady platform before Breetzke took control with a superb 121* off 106 balls. He paced the innings expertly, keeping the required rate in hand.
Although JP King and Sinethemba Qeshile fell, the Warriors remained in command.
Patrick Kruger proved the ideal partner, scoring 85* off 77 balls, as he and Breetzke shared an unbroken, match-winning stand to guide the hosts home.
For the Dolphins, Jon-Jon Smuts returned 2-31 from 10 overs, while Ottneil Baartman claimed a wicket and bowled tidily.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
