Staff Reporter.
Kagiso Rapulana’s half-century helped steer the DP World Lions to a three-wicket win on the final day of their CSA 4-Day Franchise Series encounter against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins.
Resuming on 148-3 after lunch, the Lions lost Rapulana at the stroke of lunch after his superb 88 off 161 balls (hitting 11 fours and a six) before he was trapped LBW by Daryn Dupavillion.
The hosts were chasing a target of 293 to win in Potchefstroom.
Prenelan Subrayen grabbed his second as Evan Jones was bowled out for 16.
Connor Esterhuizen was the final batter to fall, as he tried to defend but missed the ball entirely and was bowled by Eathan Bosch for 39.
Malusi Siboto (33*) and Lutho Sipamla (29*) got the Lions over the line after tea as the Lions sealed the victory and finished 296-7.
Despite the result, the Dolphins were crowned 2022/23 CSA 4-Day Series champions after sealing four wins this season.
Resuming overnight on 64-1, an 80-run stand between skipper Dominic Hendricks and Rapulana saw the Lions get off to a decent start in the morning session.
However, Jason Smith saw the back of Hendricks for 39 off 77 balls (hitting seven fours).
Mitchell van Buuren was trapped LBW by Daryn Dupavillion for 13.
The Lions lost two wickets just before lunch as Marques Ackerman got Wandile Makwetu caught for 16.
Rapulana hit his 23rd first-class century and looked to shoulder the Lions’ innings before he was trapped LBW by Dupavillion in the final over before lunch.
DP WORLD LIONS: Joshua Richards, Dominic Hendricks, Kagiso Rapulana, Mitchell van Buuren, Wandile Makwetu, Connor Esterhuizen, Evan Jones, Malusi Siboto, Lutho Sipamla, Codi Yusuf, Liam Alder.
HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS: Sarel Erwee, Tshepang Dithole, Keegan Petersen, Marques Ackerman, Khaya Zondo, Jason Smith, Eathan Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Thando Ntini, Daryn Dupavillion, Ottniel Baartman.