Cape Town - Richard Levi and Dane Vilas both hit half-centuries to provide the catalyst for the Cape Cobras to reignite their T20 Challenge hopes with a fine seven-wicket victory over the Dolphins at Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday.
Both batsmen made 54, allowing the visitors to chase down a record 179-run victory target with eight balls to spare.
Earlier, Kevin Pietersen top-scored for the hosts with 79 (51 balls, 3 fours, 5 sixes) as they amassed 178/5 after winning the toss and batting in the second match of a double-header at the venue.
Morne van Wyk and Khaya Zondo also contributed with a useful 44 and 40 not out respectively that allowed the Dolphins to post the joint highest score against the same opponents in 20-over cricket. Rory Kleinveldt was the most successful bowler with 3/31.
But opener Levi was in supreme form as he plundered one six and eight fours in his 31-ball knock to give the visitors a flying start. He eventually fell with the total on 116, but Vilas then picked up the pieces through his excellent unbeaten 34-ball innings that included two sixes and five fours.
Kieron Pollard kept him company nicely with an unbeaten 31 off 21 as the Cobras recorded the highest ever successful chase in franchise T20 cricket at the venue.
It gave them a much needed four log points that left them fifth, but now just three points behind their hosts with a game in hand.