Johannesburg – Divan van Wyk and Cody Chetty orchestrated a solid recovery effort as the Dolphins reached 179/5 at the close on a shortened first day of their Sunfoil Series match against the Cape Cobras in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
Cobras seamer Rory Kleinveldt, who has been called up to the Proteas squad for the Test series against Australia next month, struck early as he tore through the Dolphins top order.
The visitors were reduced to 4/25 in the 11th over after the Dolphins won the toss and chose to bat, with the start delayed due to a wet pitch.
Kleinveldt took 3/31 and held a catch, taking a part in all four early dismissals.
Van Wyk and Chetty, however, put up a fighting 102-run stand for the fifth wicket to stabilise the innings.
Chetty was removed by paceman Johann Louw for 59 runs, and Dolphins skipper Daryn Smit combined in an unbroken 52-run partnership with Van Wyk for the sixth wicket before stumps were drawn 27 overs ahead of schedule due to the early delay.
Van Wyk was unbeaten on 82, and Smit was on 19 not out. – Sapa