Ackermann dents Dolphins hopes

Cape Town - Colin Ackermann starred with bat and ball as the struggling Warriors stunned the in-form Dolphins by seven wickets in their One-Day Cup clash at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday night.

The visiting all-rounder first took a career-best four for 48 as the hosts were shot out for 207 in 48 overs, before he struck an unbeaten 56 (57 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 129 with Yaseen Vallie (79 off 102 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes).

The pair guided the Eastern Cape side to victory with five overs to spare.

It was an excellent showing by Ackermann, particularly against an impressive home side that were looking to keep the pressure on the leaders, but instead faltered and allowed the away side to make headway in their quest for a play-off place.

The men from the Eastern Cape are now up to fourth on the table after only a third win from eight games this season.

They were in control throughout the game, even though they lost the toss and were asked to bowl first.

Andrew Birch (3/41) and Anrich Nortje (1/33) left the Dolphins in trouble on five for two early and they never recovered.

Dane Vilas top-scored with 82 (90 balls, 8 fours) and Khaya Zondo hit 41, but there was little else in terms of support as the hosts set a modest 208.

Imran Tahir then picked up two for 46 to help leave the visitors on 79 for three, but Ackermann and Vallie ensured there were no more jitters as they took their side to a key win.