Johannesburg – Richard Levi blasted the Cape Cobras to a convincing victory over the Dolphins in their T20 Challenge encounter in Cape Town on Sunday.
Chasing 135 runs to win, Levi smashed an unbeaten 80 off 53 balls as the hosts reached 137 for one to bag a nine-wicket win with 20 deliveries to spare.
The Proteas opener hammered seven fours and three sixes to take control of the match for the home side.
The Cobras lost the early wicket of opener Stiaan van Zyl in the fifth over, but Levi led a recovery effort with skipper Dane Vilas, who contributed 43 not out in an unbroken 115-run stand for the second wicket.
Earlier, Ravi Bopara and Vaughn van Jaarsveld carried the Dolphins' middle order after they had won the toss and opted to bat.
The visitors were reduced to 22 for three in the sixth over, but Bopara hit 60 off 44 balls before he was run out, and Van Jaarsveld made a controlled 36 at a little slower than a run a ball.
The duo combined in a 84-run partnership for the fourth wicket, as the Dolphins were restricted to 134 for six in their 20 overs.
Seam bowlers Charl Langeveldt and Beuran Hendricks took two scalps each, combining to dismantle the Durban outfit's top order. – Sapa