Smith hauls Dolphins back into the match after Snyman rampage

Jason Smith, taking pace off the ball, did well to help the Hollywoodbets Dolphins restrict the ITEC Knights to 155-9 in their CSA T20 Challenge match at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night.

Smith, a slow medium-pacer, grabbed 3-22 in his four overs after Jacques Snyman had bludgeoned 58 off 37 balls up front.

The Knights, put in to bat by Dolphins’ skipper Prenelan Subrayen, looked set for a total close to 200 when Snyman and Lesego Senokwane put on 69 for the first wicket before the latter was caught in the outfield off Okuhle Cele.

Still, 72-1 in the power-play was an outstanding start for the home team.

Thereafter, however, the Dolphins’ spin bowlers, Jon-Jon Smuts (0-27 in four overs) and Subrayen (0-21 in four) did well to slow the Knights’ momentum, with Smith claiming the key wicket of Snyman, well caught by Hanu Viljoen at long-off.

Another danger man, Rilee Rossouw, despite being given the perfect platform, was unable to really get going and Smith claimed his wicket too, bowling the left-hander for 20 (23 balls).

Two run-outs didn’t help the Knights’ cause and with Marques Ackerman superbly patrolling the sweeper boundary and claiming two fine catches, the Knights’ innings ended on a relatively quiet note.