The Hollywoodbets Dolphins delivered a masterclass in composure and skill as they clinched the 2024/2025 One Day Cup title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Goldrush Boland. Their triumphant run ended with six consecutive wins, capping off an incredible campaign with a memorable performance in Paarl.

Chasing a formidable 247, the Dolphins navigated tricky conditions with determination. Jon-Jon Smuts was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a sublime 91 that propelled him to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts.

The match kicked off with Dolphins’ bowlers immediately seizing control. Boland was rocked early, finding themselves at a dire 23 for four within the first twelve overs. Prenelan Subrayen struck first, dismissing Blayde Capell for two. Keshav Maharaj then trapped Gavin Kaplan LBW for six before removing Aviwe Mgijima in the same manner. Andile Simelane added to the early damage, bowling Lehan Botha for just a single.

Boland’s recovery came through Grant Roelofsen and captain Clyde Fortuin, who added 50 crucial runs for the fifth wicket. Roelofsen, however, fell for 41, caught behind, leaving Boland struggling at 90 for six when Shaun von Berg was bowled by Tristan Luus for eight.

With the innings in deep trouble, Fortuin and Aya Gqamane put together a gritty 52-run stand to help their side reach 142 by the 38th over. Fortuin’s hard-fought 54 was brought to an end when he was caught off Luus’ bowling. But the real twist came when Gqamane and Imran Manack built a crucial 96-run partnership. Gqamane’s spirited 69 and Manack’s unbeaten 50 powered Boland to a respectable 247 for eight. The Dolphins’ attack was well-rounded, with Maharaj, Luus, Simelane, and Subrayen all claiming two wickets apiece.

The chase began with an early setback as Tshepang Dithole fell for 11, caught behind off Glenton Stuurman’s bowling. However, Smuts and Bryce Parsons steadied the innings, stitching together a valuable 63-run stand to push the score to 82 in just 15 overs. Parsons departed for 30 off 40 balls, and moments later, Jason Smith was trapped LBW for a single, leaving the Dolphins in a tight spot.

A defining partnership between Smuts and Khaya Zondo followed, with the pair adding a crucial 78 runs. Zondo looked in fine touch with a brisk 45 off 44 balls before being caught on the sweep in the 33rd over. Just as the game seemed to be slipping away, Hanu Viljoen stepped up with a composed knock.

Smuts, who had held the innings together, finally fell for 91, giving Mahima his second wicket. At that point, the Dolphins needed 59 off 70 balls, with Boland tightening the screws with disciplined bowling. The tension escalated when Eathan Bosch departed for 20, leaving 15 runs to get from 12 balls.

With the game hanging in the balance, Simelane swung the momentum with a crucial six off the final ball of the penultimate over, reducing the equation to just three runs off six balls. And fittingly, it was Viljoen who delivered the finishing touch, sealing the victory with a composed boundary.

This victory not only ended the Dolphins’ title drought but also marked their first outright 50-over championship win since sharing the trophy with the Lions in 2020/2021. It was a performance that showcased their resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination—an emphatic statement that the Dolphins are a force to be reckoned with in South African cricket. The celebrations were well-earned, and the squad will undoubtedly cherish this remarkable triumph for years to come.