Cape Town - A 14th career first-class century by Vaughn van Jaarsveld ensured the Dolphins dominated day one of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Knights in Durban on Thursday.
The big No. 3 struck 106 (158 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes) and received excellent support from Senuran Muthusamy, who was unbeaten on 69 (197 balls, 6 fours) in his home debut, as the hosts reached 203/3 by the time bad light stopped play before the scheduled 4.30pm close.
Only 74 overs were possible on a cold day at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, where rain also forced a delay during the morning session.
But the weather and loss of the toss did not put a dampener on the home side as they made solid progress in what is the last round of matches for the 2015/16 season.
The title-chasing visitors struck some early blows after choosing to bowl first with openers Imraan Khan (9) and Sarel Erwee (11) dismissed by Shadley van Schalkwyk (1/48) and Dillon du Preez (2/17) inside the opening 11 overs.
That brought together Van Jaarsveld and Muthusamy, a 22-year-old who debuted against the Cape Cobras last week. The pair batted together for most of the day, adding 167 for the third wicket in a little over 53 overs.
Van Jaarsveld eventually fell to veteran Du Preez, leaving Daryn Smit (4) the other not out batsman at the close.