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Cape Town - A sparkling century by Dane Vilas helped the Dolphins end their One-Day Cup regular season campaign with a convincing six-wicket Duckworth/Lewis win over the Titans in Centurion on Friday.
But the result was not enough to book a home semi-final after the Cape Cobras edged out the Warriors in Port Elizabeth to ensure they will host the KwaZulu-Natal side at Newlands for the last-four encounter next Wednesday.
It was nonetheless a confidence-boosting win for the Durbanites against the defending champions and runaway winners of the competition’s league phase.
Vilas was the star of the show with a thrilling 103 (85 balls, 11 fours, 1 six) - his eighth List A ton - that helped the visitors chase down a revised 253-target from 40 overs with four wickets and 11 balls still standing.
The Dolphins had won the toss earlier and asked the Titans to take first strike.
Henry Davids, returning from an injury lay-off, was one of three half-centurions after he made 52 (66 balls, 7 fours, 1 six). The other two were Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 51 balls, 6 fours) and top-scorer Tony de Zorzi (68 off 82 balls, 5 fours).
Rain then ended the innings with the home side on 269 for six after 48.2 overs.
The pick of the bowlers was Senuran Muthusamy after he collected three for 59.
After the total was adjusted to 253, the Dolphins were reduced to 93 for four following two early wickets by Shaun von Berg, who ended with three for 47.
However, Vilas and Muthusamy then combined for a 141-run fifth wicket stand that turn the contest on its head.
After the fall of the former, the latter ended on 64 not out (61 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) to complete the chase and secure a memorable win.
Defeat
for the Titans was inconsequential as they already had top spot in the
bag and they will now play the Warriors in the first semi-final on
Tuesday.
