The final of the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series will be decided after the last round of the competition this week as the table topping Hollywoodbets Dolphins travel to Cape Town to take on Western Province in their final match starting on Wednesday.
The Dolphins ground out an emphatic victory against the North West Dragons last week which catapulted them to the top of the overall log heading into the final round.
The defending champions are yet to lose a match in the current campaign with two wins and four draws from their six matches so far this season.
Looking at the log positions going into the final round, the Dolphins in first place will play Western Province in fourth while the Momentum Multiply Titans in second play the DP World Lions in third.
Dolphins assistant coach Quinton Friend understands that the match can be seen as a semi-final, however, they won’t be approaching it like that.
“It might have a semi-final feel to it but we are going to make sure that we focus on what we can achieve from this game and not look past the four days ahead of us,” Friend said.
“It’s going to be a tough encounter against Western Province who will be back to full strength with a number of players returning from New Zealand. Whether those players play will remain to be seen, but we do not take them lightly.
“We’ll make sure we do what we need to do to get through this week and give ourselves the best shot at qualifying for another final.”
Reflecting on their win last week in Potchefstroom, Friend believes it’s given the side a boost despite the tough conditions they faced.
“To be in the field for almost two full days in 36-degree heat took its toll, but the guys are ready and geared up for Western Province this week.
“We will be taking a lot of confidence to Cape Town from that performance in Potch, but we’ve been playing good cricket in this competition this season, so we are excited to have another crack at qualifying for the final.”
The Dolphins will be without Andile Phehlukwayo this week who is unavailable for selection due to family matters, however, the Dolphins will welcome back Eathan Bosch and SA20 Bowler of the Tournament Ottniel Baartman.
Baartman was given last week off after his heroics in the recent SA20 that helped the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a second consecutive title.
Bosch has recovered from an injury and will link up with the squad for their trip to Cape Town this week.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins v Western Province Squad
Ottniel Baartman, Sarel Erwee, Eathan Bosch, Okuhle Cele, Marques Ackerman, Tshepang Dithole, Brad Porteous, Bryce Parsons, Prenelan Subrayen, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Daryn Dupavillon, Andile Simelane.
