Dive into our exciting preview of the Momentum One Day Cup Final featuring the Hollywoodbets Dolphins hosting the Warriors this Friday at the iconic Sahara Stadium Kingsmead.
The grand finale has arrived with just two teams standing tall! The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are set to battle the Warriors on their home turf this Friday evening in a match that promises edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
Will the home heroes clinch their first major title since the 2013/14 Ram Slam T20 Challenge, or will the Warriors turn the tides and spoil their celebration in Durban? Here’s the rundown:
Dolphins vs Warriors | Friday, 2 February | Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban | 13:30
Winning Odds
Dolphins 57/100
Tie 35/1
Warriors 29/20
Hollywoodbets Dolphins
The Dolphins are facing a couple of concerns before the big clash. Their top-order running between the wickets has been a bit shaky this season, with several run-outs involving Morne van Wyk, Sarel Erwee, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, and Dane Vilas.
Last night’s match saw van Jaarsveld fall victim to a hilarious run-out thanks to a sharp combination by Dane Piedt and Kyle Verreynne. Shot selections have also been questionable, highlighted by Vilas attempting a reverse sweep off the second ball he faced, only to be bowled by a Piedt delivery that clipped off stump.
Despite soft dismissals leading to a slump from 126-0 after 25 overs to 230 all out, the Dolphins’ bowling under the lights in Cape Town was outstanding. Robbie Frylinck grabbed 3 wickets for 21 runs in 9 overs, while Prenelan Subrayen contributed with 2 for 24 in 10 overs.
The bowlers will need to repeat their superlative efforts against a formidable Warriors batting line-up. Keshav Maharaj must improve on his economy rate alongside Subrayen and Senuran Muthusamy to take control. If the spinners assert dominance in the middle overs, the Dolphins could be well on their way to glory.
Warriors
Although the Warriors just scraped into the semi-finals, they have seized their chance with a magnificent eight-wicket victory over the Multiply Titans in Pretoria. This final represents their second successive Momentum One Day Cup final following last year’s heavy loss to the Titans.
Their bowling attack was exceptional, dismissing the Titans for 230. The seam trio of Andrew Birch, Sisanda Magala, and Anrich Nortje led the attack impressively, with Nortje shining this season, securing nine wickets in six matches so far.
With Nortje’s pace complementing the craft of Magala and Birch, who rely on movement off the pitch, the Warriors’ bowling group is a real threat. Colin Ackermann and JJ Smuts must contribute support, particularly if Magala’s side strain sidelines him from the final.
The Warriors’ top-order batting is a force to reckon with. Gilhahn Cloete, JJ Smuts, Colin Ackermann, and Yaseen Vallie can accelerate the scoring at any time. They will aim to dominate the Dolphins’ pace attack and prevent the spinners from settling into their groove.
Verdict: Hollywoodbets Dolphins 57/100
The Dolphins are riding high after their comprehensive win against the Cobras at Newlands on Wednesday. Coupled with a passionate home crowd, they look set to clinch the title at 57/100 odds.
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