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DAY 4: Richards and Dithole score centuries in Lions-Dolphins draw

cricket30 March 2025 15:15| © SuperSport
By:CS Chiwanza
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Joshua Richards © Gallo Images

Tshepang Dithole and Joshua Richards put in brilliant performances in the rain-affected CSA 4-Day Series encounter between the DP World Lions and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins at the DP World Wanderers. The match ended in a draw.

The top-of-the-table clash was ruined by incessant rain.

The two teams were only able to put in a total of 147 overs across four days.

The sides only batted a single innings each. The opposing batters’ performances were the highlight of a dreary four days at the Wanderers.

Dithole's innings spanned across three days, thanks to the conditions.

However, that didn't dampen his spirit. He carved 19 fours and three sixes on his way to an outstanding 157 off 225 deliveries.

This is his fifth first-class century. He needed 152 deliveries to reach the milestone.

His innings was crucial to the Dolphins reaching 357.

Dithole has been the foundational beam in the Dolphins' innings.

Only one other batter in the visitors' top seven reached the 50-run mark.

Romashan Pillay showed that he is a batter to watch for the future with a patient 101-run 60.

This is the 20-year-old's fourth first-class half-century. The former South Africa under-19 player was playing in his fifth four-day encounter.

RICHARDS ROCKS

Joshua Richards was the force behind the hosts' reply to the Dolphins.

The 26-year-old scored an unbeaten 130 off 198 balls to power the Lions to 250-2.

The opener faced 141 balls to reach his 12th first-class century. 

Richards came into this match with a single half-century to his name following a lean run in four-day cricket.

He was well-supported supported by Zubayr Hamza, who scored an unbeaten 62 off 96 balls.

This is Hamza's 35th first-class half-century. This is his fourth half-ton for the 29-year-old, who has enjoyed a fruitful run with the bat for the log leaders.

Codi Yusuf was the best bowler in the match.

The Lions pacer was the only one hitting good areas consistently while the rest struggled.

He was rewarded for his efforts with a fifth first-class four-wicket haul.

He finished the match with four wickets for 54 runs in 27.2 overs. Lutho Sipamla added three wickets to the tally, while Dominic Hendricks's part-time stylings added another two.

LIONS: Joshua Richards, Dominic Hendricks (capt), Muhammad Manack, Zubayr Hamza, Mitchell van Buuren, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Delano Potgieter, Codi Yusuf, Nqaba Peter, Tshepo Moreki, Lutho Sipamla.

DOLPHINS: Sarel Erwee (capt), Tshepang Dithole, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, Khaya Zondo, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Romashan Pillay, Eathan Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Daryn Dupavillon, Okuhle Cele.

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