Robbie Frylinck struck two sixes from the final two deliveries to help the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to close the gap on the top two in the Momentum One-Day Cup with a thrilling three-wicket final-ball win over the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras in Paarl on Wednesday.
The Standard Bank Proteas all-rounder, who earlier took three wickets, held his nerve facing up to the inexperienced Ferisco Adams as the visitors made heavy weather towards the end of a 290-run chase at Eurolux Boland Park.
They should have cruised to victory after a supreme 161-run opening stand between Sarel Erwee and Morne van Wyk.
Veteran Van Wyk recorded the 24th century of his career after a constructive 107 (137 balls, 10 fours, 1 six), while fellow opener Erwee clubbed 80 (69 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes).
The pair had left their side in a powerful position and they were on 240 for three at the end of 43 overs – with 50 needed from seven overs.
However, Adams (2/69) then removed Sibonelo Makhanya (19) and Calvin Savage (3), with George Linde (2/48) starting the slide by removing Van Wyk and Andile Phehlukwayo (20) taken out by Mthiwekhaya Nabe (1/46), leaving the Dolphins in a state of panic.
They still needed 13 from the final six balls and Frylinck kept his cool with 14 off six deliveries to take the Dolphins to within a point of the Cobras and Multiply Titans at the summit.
Earlier, it was JP Duminy who led from the front as the home side amassed 289 for six.
The captain plundered 86 (66 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes), with Pieter Malan hitting 62 (88 balls, 5 fours).
Frylinck was the pick of the Dolphins bowlers, taking three for 44, and ended as their star man at the end after his big-hitting took them over the line.