Cape Town - Half-centuries by Daryn Smit and David Miller helped the Sunfoil Dolphins fight back on the opening day of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Cape Cobras at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday.
The hosts reached stumps on 284 for seven, although the initiative did rest slightly in favour of the visitors.
Smit, who is amongst the leading run-scorers this season, struck 64, while Miller made 54 on a day when several Dolphins' batsmen had starts.
The pair shared the highest partnership of 97 for the fifth wicket for their side, while there were also some good starts for Imraan Khan (32), Sarel Erwee (45) and Andile Phehlukwayo (35).
The hosts had won the toss and opted to bat first in Durban, with openers Khan and Erwee putting on 56 for the opening wicket.
But three wickets fell by lunch handing the initiative to the Cobras.
And when stand-in captain Khaya Zondo, who made history by becoming the first Black African captain of the Dolphins, fell for a duck straight after the interval it was 106 for four.
But the Smit-Miller stand rescued their side, before Keshav Maharaj (30 not out) attacked late on to raise further hopes for the home team.
Tshepo Moreki (2-37) and Justin Ontong (2-38) were the pick of the bowlers for the Cape side.