Nashua Dolphins win away semi final

The Nashua Dolphins set the Cape Cobras a record total to chase for the win at Newlands. The total of 162 would have been the highest total chased down in a Pro 20 game at Newlands.

Sanath Jayasuriya who was bought for R 1 000 000 for the Standard Bank Pro20 campaign came out blazing for the Dolphins, hitting Rory Kleinveld for three six’s in a row, then followed them up with a 4, Jayasuriya took 23 off the over. He was eventually out for 41 off 24 balls. The ever reliable HD Ackerman top scored for the Dolphins with 62 runs. Ackerman is now the top scorer in the Standard Bank Pro20 2009. The Cobras fight back showed their quality, while Jayasuriya was at the crease the Dolphins were on track to score 200.

The Cobras were favorites to win with only 162 on the board, but it was not to be, the early loss of Henry Davids and Herschelle Gibbs found the Cobras at 4/2. This brought captain Graeme Smith and JP Duminy together, currently one of the best bating pairs in world cricket. Smith and Duminy started the recovery, as soon as they got going JP Duminy was caught behind by a stunning catch by wicket keeper Smit trying to run it to third man.

Smith was then caught on the boundary for 32 from 28 to take the Cobras to 63-5. At 68-7 Jayasuriya took a wicket from his first ball in Pro20 cricket. Telemachus and Levi (46) put up some resistance but it was too little to late, the early loss of wickets were to much to overcome.

The Cobras have some hard work to do, their Proteas filled team has failed again.