Johannesburg - Middle-order batsman Khaya Zondo smashed his ninth career half-century, guiding the Dolphins to a three-wicket victory over the Highveld Lions in their domestic one day match in Potchefstroom on Friday.
Zondo remained unbeaten on 70 runs off 75 balls as the visitors secured the win with 17 deliveries to spare, after their bowling attacked had done a sterling job to cement themselves in second place in the series standings.
Chasing 215 runs to win, in a match reduced to 47 overs a side, the Dolphins openers got them off to a solid start.
Morne van Wyk, who made 42 runs, and Cameron Delport, who hit 41, shared 64 runs for the first wicket.
Zondo held up the middle order, pairing up with Daryn Smit (27) in a crucial 54-run fifth-wicket partnership, as they stood firm against an onslaught spearheaded by seam bowler Dwaine Pretorius who took four for 36.
Earlier, the Lions top order had also made an impressive start, despite the early loss of captain Stephen Cook in the fifth over, after they won the toss and chose to bat.
Alviro Petersen, who contributed 47 runs, and Temba Bavuma, who smashed 80 off 93 balls, shared a 99-run stand for the second wicket to lay the foundation of the innings.
The middle order was unable to build on the momentum, however, and the tail was ripped apart by the Dolphins attack, led by paceman Robbie Frylinck who returned four for 30.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 214 runs.
Sapa