Ram Slam T20: Sunfoil Dolphins vs the Unlimited Titans

The Sunfoil Dolphins and the Unlimited Titans will meet for the second time this season when they go head to head at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Wednesday evening.

The Titans have won four on the trot since their opening day home defeat to the Dolphins while the men from KZN head into this clash having suffered their first defeat of the campaign against the Cape Cobras last time out.

To Win Match
Dolphins 9/10
Draw 35/1
Titans 9/10

Sunfoil Dolphins
Lance Klusner and his men will have been bitterly disappointed after going down to the Cape Cobras at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Sunday afternoon. Despite the loss the men from KZN still remain at the summit of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge log at the halfway point of the competition. They sit level on points with the Titans, though they possess a superior net run rate.

The Dolphins will have to play the rest of the competition without Kevin Pietersen who has jetted out to Australia for the KFC Big Bash. The big Englishman made 59 in his final Ram Slam appearance, again top scoring for the Dolphins as he did in the three games prior to Sunday’s defeat. He was ably supported by Khaya Zondo, who was happy to hold down an end while Pietersen attacked. An excellent cameo knock from McLaren (26*) toward the back of the innings ensured that his team posted a competitive total of 148/9.

Another concern for the Dolphins will be the absence of Prenelan Subrayen who has been ordered to undergo rehabilitation for a suspect bowling action for the second time in his career. The news will have come as a huge blow for the Klusner’s side as the off-spinner had formed an excellent partnership with Keshav Maharaj in the middle overs, restricting opposition run rates and taking wickets at crucial times.

If the Dolphins are to defeat this resurgent Titans side, they are going to have to put in an improved fielding performance. Two dropped catches and a number of ground fielding errors handed the win to the Cobras last time out.

The Unlimited Titans
After losing their first game of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge against the Dolphins in Pretoria, the Titans have gone on to record four straight wins. Albie Morkel has been one of the standout performers for the Pretoria-based franchise this season and can’t be too far off a spot in South Africa’s World T20 Squad.

Quinton de Kock, who returned to the Titans’ squad after a successful limited-overs tour of India has been in excellent form. The diminutive opening batsman / wicketkeeper put on a 70-run partnership with Henry Davids for the first wicket last time out against the Warriors. He would go on to score 60 off just 34 balls before being dismissed. Lower down the order, the Titans can call on the likes of Albie Morkel, Farhaan Berhadien and David Wiese who have all proven themselves on the international stage as well as in the IPL.

While their batting line-up looks to be the best in the competition on paper, the Titans also possess a wealth of bowling talent. Last time out against the Warriors, Morkel was able call on eight different bowlers including himself. This is even more remarkable considering that Berhadien – who has bowled so successfully for the Protea’s T20 side – never had to turn his arm over Sunday.

Verdict: Ryan McLaren, Top Dolphins Batsman at 12/1
McLaren has brought the good  batting form he showed with at the Knights back with him to the Dolphins. He’s been particularly effective coming in later on in the innings. This is a bit of a longshot, however, it’s worth a tickle as 12/1 offers outstanding value. If you’re not too keen to stick your neck out, go for the Titans to hit the most sixes at 11/10.