Smith, Bosch brilliance fires Dolphins into CSA T20 Qualifier 2

A disciplined bowling performance led by Eathan Bosch and a patient half-century from Jason Smith steered the Dolphins to a 15-run victory over Western Province in the CSA T20 Challenge Eliminator at Kingsmead Stadium on Wednesday.

Defending 141/8, the Dolphins set the tone early with sharp fielding and relentless pressure with the ball. Bosch was the standout, returning excellent figures of 4/21, while the hosts held on to several outstanding catches that swung momentum firmly in their favour.

Western Province fell short of the target, reaching 126/9, handing the Dolphins their latest win at a venue where they remain unbeaten this season.

Earlier, the Dolphins were sent in to bat and were immediately on the back foot, losing Bryce Parsons (1) and Khaya Zondo (5) to George Linde inside the first five overs.

At 30/2 by the end of the powerplay, Smith and Marques Ackerman rebuilt steadily, guiding their side to 56/2 at halfway. The pair added 50 for the third wicket before Ackerman departed for 17.

Smith then pushed into a higher gear, bringing up an important 50 off 35 balls, striking six fours and two sixes to anchor the innings. His dismissal for 58 stalled the scoring rate, but Tshepang Dithole played a valuable late hand with 39 off 27 to help lift the total to 141/8.

Western Province’s chase unravelled quickly. Jiveshan Pillay fell for a duck in the first over, while Valentine Kitime and Daniel Smith followed soon after. Bosch added a fourth when Linde was caught in the deep.

A 50-run stand between Josh van Heerden (44) and Josh Breed (29) offered hope, but once broken, the Dolphins closed out calmly, with Anrich Nortje striking twice in the final over.

The Dolphins now turn their focus to the Warriors in Friday’s Qualifier 2.