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Cape Town - A Vaughn van Jaarsveld century on the final day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Titans helped the Dolphins salvage a desperate draw at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.
The left-hander made 133 (157 balls, 16 fours, 1 six) as the hosts ended day four on 302 for eight. It was Van Jaarsveld’s 20th career century and second of the campaign – one that will be highly valued by his team as it bought up time and added frustration to the visiting team, who may have felt they were two wickets and a few overs away from a possible win.
The reigning champions had started the morning batting under blue skies on the east coast, knowing that a result was still a possibility despite over a day lost due to bad light and rain.
They were on 325 for eight, a lead of 139, which was extended to 195 thanks to an aggressive career-best 84 not out from Eldred Hawken. The fast bowler plundered three sixes and 10 fours from his 59-ball knock and was left stranded after running out of partners.
His effort, which included a 103-run ninth wicket stand with Tshepo Moreki (34), really put the Titans in the box seat.
But led by Van Jaarsveld, the opposition batting line-up critically stood firm early on, with 69 coming for the first wicket and 78 for the third.
The door did open, though, when the Dolphins slipped from 155 for two to 156 for four and then slightly later 238 for seven.
However, Grant Roelofsen managed a plucky 46 not out from 94 balls and Sibonelo Makhanya added 32, making victory virtually impossible.
The captains eventually shook hands after the lead was taken past the 100 runs mark with a little over 10 overs remaining.
Both sides remain winless in the competition.
