The Dolphins’ Sarel Erwee smashed an unbeaten century against the Warriors to secure his team a bonus-point victory, and earns himself Wednesday’s Play of the Day award, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
The visitors strolled to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over the Warriors at St George’s Park, thanks to a masterful display with both bat and ball. Erwee was the standout batsman with his less than a run-a-ball 105 not out to take his team over the line in Nelson Mandela Bay.
READ MORE: Dolphins stroll home against Warriors
The Warriors, who had elected to bat first, lost wickets regularly throughout their innings and never truly gained any momentum. Fast bowler Okuhle Cele (3-52) did most of the damage with the ball, while Keshav Maharaj (1-28) kept things tight for the men from KZN in their respective 10 overs.
Warriors captain Jon-Jon Smuts top-scored with his 76 (99 balls, 6×4) as the home side limped to an under-par 223-9 in their 50 overs.
Erwee partnered up with Vaughn van Jaarsveld (83 off 77 balls, 11×4) to share an impressive 147-run opening stand to kickstart the run-chase. Van Jaarsveld was unfortunate to lose his wicket to Basheer Walters (1-47) right when he looked set to reach a ton of his own, but Erwee didn’t let the blip distract him.
READ ALSO: Erwee, Hamza lead run-fest
The left-hander smashed 12 lavish fours and three blistering sixes on his way to an unbeaten 105 off 103 balls. Erwee’s second ton of the season helped his team over the line in just the 36th over, clinching the bonus-point win that takes them to second on the log and with one hand on securing a home semi-final.
1️⃣A spectacular & unbeaten knock of 105.
2️⃣A second #MODC 100 in this years tournament.
3️⃣1 of 3 batsmen to have scored 2 hundreds in this years tournament.It is no surprise that Sarel Erwee walks away with the Man of the Match award. He was excellent today. pic.twitter.com/yMkezFo5jB
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 20, 2019
READ ALSO: Dolphins heading for playoff spot
The Warriors will take on the Cobras in their remaining home fixture ahead of the playoffs, while the Dolphins look for a win against the bottom-ranked Lions in Potchefstroom on Saturday.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
