Durban – The Hollywoodbets Dolphins thwarted a runaway start by the Imperial Lions in their long-awaited return to competitive cricket when their first 4-Day Domestic Series clash at Hollywoodsbets Kingsmead got underway after a session was lost to rain on Monday.
Having won the toss and then choosing to bat on a benign pitch, the Lions got off to a flyer, thanks to an on-form Reeza Hendricks who scored at close to a run-a-ball to take the visitors to 87 without loss at tea.
Shortly after the resumption debutant Ottneil Baartman crowned an impressive showing with the ball by trapping the dangerman Reeza Hendricks LBW, and in the process took the wind out of the Lions assault.
Rassie van der Dussen was pegged back until he fell for a single when he knicked off to Andile Phehlukwayo for one.
The other wicket for the Dolphins went to Kerwin Mungroo when he picked up the wicket of Dom Hendricks for 26.
Keshav Maharaj shouldered much of the bowling burden, coming into the attack in the eleventh over, while Prenelan Subrayen bowled two overs.
Ottneil Baartman was easily the pick of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins bowlers, finishing the day with 1 for 18 off his 14 overs.
At the close the Lions were 153 for three with skipper Temba Bavuma on 30 not out and Rickleton unbeaten on 15 from 64 deliveries.
Considering the fight back from the Dolphins captain Marques Ackerman was happy with the way his side went on their first day of competitive cricket in eight months.
“I think the guys pulled it back really nicely today,” said skipper Ackerman after the truncated days play. “We took three wickets in the final session which was good and I think once the nerves settled the boys played some good cricket.
“It’s fantastic to get back on the field and I know they boys were glad to be back playing.”
