The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are heading to the Western Cape full of promise ahead of a thrilling Momentum One Day Cup week. Their first major challenge is against the table-topping WSB Cape Cobras at Eurolux Boland Park in Paarl on Wednesday, followed by back-to-back games facing the VKB Knights on Friday and Sunday. The big highlight? Andile Phehlukwayo is back and ready to take the field!
The all-rounder, fresh from being part of the Proteas test squad that clinched a nail-biting 72-run victory over India in the Sunfoil Freedom Series, is set to shake things up and make selectors’ decisions even tougher.
The Dolphins are riding high after a solid win over their tough rivals, the Warriors, in Port Elizabeth last Friday. Having previously bested the Cobras in their campaign opener, confidence is soaring as they prepare to visit the Winelands.
Last season, Durban’s men delivered a memorable chase in Paarl, winning by four wickets thanks to Sibz Makhanya’s unbeaten 55 off just 38 balls and a crucial 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket alongside Kyle Nipper’s 32. The spirit and grit of the team promise more thrilling cricket this season.
Coach Grant Morgan acknowledges the challenge ahead, saying, “The Cobras are a much-improved side and will pose a formidable threat on Wednesday. They’ve come through a tough phase and now seem balanced and ready. We’ll have to bring our best game to come out on top.”
Currently third on the Momentum One Day Cup log with two wins from three games and one in hand, the Dolphins are in good shape as they face a defining week. Morgan highlights a strong team camaraderie and maturity, “Our players support each other brilliantly in training – it’s the best team spirit I’ve seen since joining, with everyone eager to see their teammates succeed.”
Despite the unfortunate absence of Vaughn van Jaarsveld, battling a dislocated finger, the batsmen have performed well, including a valuable half-century from Cody Chetty in Port Elizabeth. The form of their all-rounders, including Rob Frylinck, Calvin Savage, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen, is a huge asset.
“Our all-rounders now truly embody their roles; they don’t let bowling efforts suffer when they bat, they excel in both departments,” Morgan confidently adds.
With the Western Cape experiencing a persistent drought, Morgan expects dry pitch conditions which could favour the Dolphins, who have four spinners in the squad. “We’re prepared for everything the pitch offers, so no worries on conditions,” he confirms.
Having already tasted two wins and a heartbreaking last-ball loss, Morgan believes the team can elevate their game further, “We haven’t yet reached our peak. The goal is to find our A-game, as currently, we’re hovering around a B-plus.”
One notable doubt is Dane Vilas, as he supports his wife Pippa, who is expecting their new arrival imminently.
HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS SQUAD:
Sarel Erwee, Senuran Muthusamy, Khaya Zondo, Cody Chetty, Sibonelo Makhanya, Calvin Savage, Robert Frylinck, Imran Tahir, Athi Maposa, Prenelan Subrayen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Okuhle Cele, Morne Van Wyk, Dane Vilas, Smangaliso Nhlebela.
