BackOttniel Baartman produced a devastating spell with the ball as the Dolphins strengthened their position ahead of the YesPlay Pro20 Cup Super 8s.
The Dolphins thrashed the Garden Route Badgers by 10 wickets via the DLS method at Kingsmead on Friday, chasing an adjusted target of 56 in just 3.5 overs.
After captain Prenelan Subrayen elected to bowl first, Baartman struck twice in the third over to leave the visitors struggling at 11-2.
Yaseen Valli (8 off eight balls) was caught by Grant Roelofsen at cover before Slade van Staden departed for a two-ball duck, caught behind.
Baartman continued his impressive spell by removing Pheko Moletsane (10 off eight balls) in the fifth over, leaving the Badgers on 28-3.
Rain interrupted play during the seventh over, with the match subsequently reduced to eight overs per side.
The Proteas seamer completed his four-wicket haul when Andile Phehlukwayo (12 off eight balls) was caught by Romashan Pillay at short third man.
Janneman Malan remained unbeaten on 16 off 19 balls as the Badgers finished on 51-4, with Baartman returning outstanding figures of 4-12 from three overs.
The Dolphins openers made short work of the revised target, with Bryce Parsons smashing an unbeaten 32 off 13 balls, including five fours and a six.
Roelofsen contributed 17 not out off 10 balls as the pair completed the chase with 25 balls remaining.
Already assured of a Super 8s berth, the Dolphins boosted their hopes of a top-two finish in Pool B, with the Lions and Warriors still to complete their group fixtures.
The defeat also left the Badgers’ qualification hopes hanging in the balance, with North West Dragons needing a bonus-point victory over Northern Cape Heat to claim the final Super 8s spot.