Take a thrilling look ahead as we preview the Ram Slam T20 Challenge clash between the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and the Warriors.
The Ram Slam T20 Challenge action heats up this Wednesday, with the Hollywoodbets Dolphins going head-to-head against last year’s runners-up, the Warriors.
After a narrow loss to the bizhub Highveld Lions on Sunday, the Dolphins are eager to bounce back, while the Warriors aim to recover from their heavy defeat to the Multiply Titans. Both teams are hungry for victory, promising an electrifying showdown at the Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban.
Dolphins vs Warriors | Wednesday 22 November | Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban | 18:00
Match Odds to Win
Hollywoodbets Dolphins 63/100 | Tie 35/1 | Warriors 27/20
Hollywoodbets Dolphins
It was a tough weekend for the Dolphins. A promising crowd of around 6000 at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Friday evening saw the match abandoned due to rain. Then, a close contest against the bizhub Highveld Lions ended in a narrow defeat.
Morne van Wyk (42) and the rising star Sibonelo Makhanya (46*) pulled the innings back from the brink, finishing on a respectable 168-6.
The hoped-for opening bowling effort from Protea spinner Keshav Maharaj didn’t go as planned, with the Lions’ opener Reeza Hendricks scoring freely and eventually hitting a maiden T20 century. The Dolphins’ bowling attack, however, regrouped well towards the end thanks to tight spells from Andile Phelukwayo, Robbie Frylinck, Mthokozisi Shezi, and Makhanya.
Wiaan Mulder calmly finished the match on the last ball, highlighting the team’s potential despite the loss. Coach Grant Morgan can be hopeful, especially if the top order steps up with more runs. With key players like Sarel Erwee, van Wyk, Khaya Zondo, and Dane Vilas expected to contribute, the Dolphins have a strong squad ready to challenge any opponent.
Warriors
The Warriors’ bowlers showed glimpses of brilliance against the Multiply Titans on Friday, with Basheeru-Deen Walters and Andrew Birch shining by limiting the Titans to 172-4 early on.
Despite this promising start, the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the Titans’ batsmen, leading to a dominant performance by the visitors.
Opening batsmen Jon-Jon Smuts and George Cloete gave hope, compiling a solid 50-run partnership before Smuts was bowled by Lungi Ngidi. Afterward, the Warriors lost wickets regularly, failing to mount a substantial chase against a strong Titans lineup.
Going into the Durban clash, the Warriors will need their bowling unit to offer more support to Birch and Walters, and their batting to become less reliant on Smuts. Without a broader contribution in runs, the team risks an early finish in their innings against the sharp Dolphins bowling attack featuring Tahir, Frylinck, and Phelukwayo.
Verdict: Hollywoodbets Dolphins 63/100
With the Warriors appearing off the pace this season and the Dolphins showing promise even in defeat, the hosts look set to claim the victory—weather permitting! Get ready for a cracking contest at Kingsmead.
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