The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have finally shaken off their Sunfoil Series slump with a powerful win against the Warriors in Port Elizabeth. After a rejuvenating week off, they’re geared up to build on this momentum as they welcome the WSB Cape Cobras to Pietermaritzburg this Thursday.
Securing victory in Port Elizabeth was crucial for the Dolphins to keep their hopes of clinching the Sunfoil Series alive with just three matches remaining. Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj was a beast with the ball, snaring seven second innings wickets to steer the team to a 55-run triumph.
The season has been a marathon for the Durban-based side, who battled through white-ball finals in both the RAMSLAM T20 Challenge—where they bowed out to the Multiply Titans—and the Momentum One Day Cup, sharing the trophy with the Warriors.
Coach Grant Morgan explains the importance of their recent break: “With injuries sidelining some of our bowlers, this week has been perfect for recovery. It’s also given our batsmen time to analyse their performances and spot areas for improvement.” He adds, “Players like Dane Vilas have had an intense 12 months, so some rest was much needed. The experienced guys took full advantage to recharge.”
Though the Dolphins will be without star spinner Keshav Maharaj as he joins the Proteas for the Sunfoil Test Series against Australia at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead starting Thursday, Morgan is confident in the team’s depth. “We have Senuran Muthusamy, who’s been among the top wicket-takers this season, ready to step up. Prenelan Subrayen is also an option if conditions suit,” he shares.
Andile Phehlukwayo, who has been part of the Proteas setup through the India series, returns to Dolphins duty. However, given his heavy workload over the last six months, he won’t be considered for selection this week.
Currently, the Titans and VKB Knights top the log, with the Dolphins sitting fourth, just behind the Warriors. Coach Morgan is urging his players to bring their best cricket in these final matches: “We owe it to our fans and ourselves to keep fighting. Looking back at our performances this season, we’ve played a huge role in keeping the Titans from running away with the log.”
He adds, “Rather than pressure, we see this as a surge of energy!”
The Dolphins will also rejoice the return of skipper Khaya Zondo, rejoining the fold after his stint with the Proteas in the recent ODI series against India.
Last time these two sides clashed in the Sunfoil Series at the Recreational Ground in Oudtshoorn, it was a run-fest with centuries from Dane Vilas, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, and Morné van Wyk lighting up the scoreboard.
HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS SQUAD:
Sarel Erwee, Morné van Wyk, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Khaya Zondo (c), Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Vilas, Sibonelo Makhanya, Rob Frylinck, Prenelan Subrayen, Kerwin Mungroo, Rabian Engelbrecht, Smangaliso Nhlebela.
For more information, visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za.
