Disappointing as the season has been, the Dolphins plumbed the depths at Kingsmead yesterday when the Warriors sauntered to a nine-wicket victory with a bonus point.
If it was an encouraging performance by the Warriors which guaranteed them a place in the play-offs of the Momentum One-Day Cup, it was, by some distance, the darkest day of the Dolphins’ season as they were bowled out for 110 in 28.3 overs after being 65/9 at one stage.
Whether there was a connection between the Dolphins’ flat display on the field, and their serious troubles off it – particularly the storm that has arisen over the mysterious lifting of Robbie Frylinck’s suspension for allegedly assaulting teammate Aya Myoli – only time will tell.
Coach Lance Klusener was quick to apologise after the match had finished at 6.30pm, describing the performance as “horrendous”.
“I’d like to apologise to sponsors and fans alike. That was not the standard of play that we’d like to set.”
Indeed, at one stage it looked as though the visitors would complete their business before the floodlights came on, and that the sprinkling of spectators would be home before the end of the rush hour.
The Dolphins, having won the toss to bat first on an excellent pitch, lost their first wicket to the second ball and were at one point a pathetic 65/9, before Keshav Maharaj and Mthokozisi Shezi added 45 in 46 balls to at least get their team into three figures.
Their final total of 110 was, however, still the lowest score in the competition this season.
The supper break was taken at 4.30pm and the match was over before the sun set with Warriors openers J J Smuts (49) and Colin Ackermann (52*) easily knocking off all but three of the 111 runs needed for victory.
When the winning run was scored the Warriors still had an incredible 157 balls in hand.
SuperSport commentator and ex-Dolphin Jon Kent would only say after the game that he was “in shock” over his former team’s performance.
For the visitors, Man of the Match Andrew Birch bowled particularly well for his figures of 4/15.
The bustling medium-pacer bowled all of his 10 overs in one spell with a degree of commitment and urgency that the Dolphins palpably lacked.
The Dolphins’ final pool match against the Titans on Saturday (2pm) will be of interest only to the visitors. - The Mercury