A measured, mature first hundred for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins by Marques Ackerman helped his side to 330 for seven at the close of day one of their CSA 4-Day Franchise Series clash with the VKB Knights at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on Monday.
On a steamy morning Dolphins captain Khaya Zondo won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket at the Oval.
Initially the Dolphins had to manage a strong start with the ball from the visitors and openers Sarel Erwee and SA Under 19 star Thamsanqa Khumalo were cautious up front.
The pair put on 23 for the first wicket before Erwee was caught behind for 15. His opening partner Khumalo, who was making his first class debut for the Dolphins, was out when he hit one to short cover for six.
He spent a lot of time in the middle, 45 deliveries, and looked measured following a nervous start.
Ackerman came in at the loss of the first wicket and was patient to start his innings as he and captain Khaya Zondo were in rescue mode with the total 26 for two.
The pair then started scoring freely and with fluency on their way to a partnership of 114 before the captain departed for 34.
It was from there that Ackerman accelerated his scoring rate, despite not taking any more risks, and with Sibz Makhanya having just departed for seven, the left-hander went to his first hundred for the Dolphins off 132 deliveries.
As the heat and fatigue became a factor the 22 year-old had to receive some attention from the physiotherapist for what seemed like cramp in the lower back. Despite the difficulty he marched on to a well-deserved hundred.
He was the next batsman to fall when he was bowled attempting the reverse sweep for 137. His innings included 21 fours and one impressive six over extra cover off the spinner Tshepo Ntuli.
Senuran Muthusamy was then joined by Grant Roelofsen and the pair continued to score freely as they put together a stand of over 50.
Muthusamy went to his 18th first class 50 in the 82nd over off 77 deliveries.
The pair took the Dolphins to the cusp of the days play however Roelofsen nicked a Zakhele Qwabe delivery in the third to last over of the day to the keeper for 32.
All-rounder Eathan Bosch joined Muthusamy and the pair took the Dolphins to the close of play on 330 for seven.
Muthusamy will resume on 81 and Bosch on seven.
Learn more about the Hollywoodbets Dolphins at www.dolphinscricket.co.za.
