Dolphins take charge on day one in Potchefstroom

Durban – A century partnership between skipper Marques Ackerman and Bryce Parson put the Hollywoodbets Dolphins firmly in the driving seat on the first day of their CSA 4-Day Domestic Series clash at the JB Marks Oval on Thursday.

When rain ended the days play prematurely Ackerman was two runs shy of his century, having faced 124 deliveries, with Parsons on 33 and the Dolphins comfortable at 213/3.

The Dolphins won the toss and chose to bat first, naming three debutante in their eleven in Junaid Syed, Robin Smith and Hlompo Modimokoane.

Under overcast skies the Dolphins lost both openers in the first ten overs. Thamsanqa Khumalo feathered a Delano Potgieter delivery to the wicket keeper and then Junaid Syed was caught going for a bold hook shot, leaving the Dolphins at 26/2.

Keegan Petersen and skipper Marques Ackerman steadied the innings with a solid third wicket partnership of 86 until Petersen fell on the stroke of lunch for 54, leaving the Dolphins at 112/3 at the end of the first session.

After lunch Bryce Parsons joined his captain at the crease and the brisk run scoring continued as Ackerman went to his half century off 62 deliveries.

The pair absorbed the brunt of the home side’s determined bowling attack to post a hundred run partnership for the fourth wicket before bad weather forced the players off the field in the 52nd over.

Ackerman was two runs shy of a well-deserved century and Parsons on 33 when the covers came on and rain put an end to the first days play.

SUMMARY OF SCORE – Hollywoodbets Dolphins v North West Dragons
First innings:
Hollywoodbets Dolphins 213/3 (51.3 overs)
M. Ackerman 98*, K. Petersen 54, B Parsons 33*, D. Potgieter 3/34

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