Multiply Titans batsman Aiden Markram’s blistering 127 off just 88 balls proved to be the gamechanger as the Multiply Titans defeated HollywoodBets Dolphins by 135 runs to clinch the Momentum One-day Cup final.
The star-studded Titans were put in to bat and got a good start with a 51-run opening stand, and a 56-run stand for the second wicket. Theunis de Bruyn set the innings up with a steady 72 before he departed in the 29th over. With the Titans looking for a strong finish, skipper Dean Elgar joined Markram and played a good supporting role to Markram’s blitz.
Markram, who already had scores of 169, 139 and 85 in the tournament, proceeded to launch a stunning assault that saw him hit eight sixes and five fours. At the other end, Elgar kept the scoring busy with a 42-ball 58 and helped stitch together a stand worth 142. Farhaan Behardien, who followed, kept the momentum up with a quick cameo as the Titans racked up a massive 356.
In the chase, the Dolphins were pegged back by two strikes from Dale Steyn within the first ten overs. They slipped further in the 14th over as Tabraiz Shamsi struck twice to put the Dolphins under pressure.
Dane Vilas (59) and Andile Phehlukwayo (43) offered some resistance before Steyn came back to pick the latter and effectively end the chase. Dolphins, who were the joint-winners in the previous season, were rolled out for just 221 as they handed the title over to the Titans.