The WSB Cape Cobras and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins will face off at Boland Park on Wednesday 11 January.
It’s the eagerly-awaited second meeting of the season between these two fierce rivals in the Momentum One Day Cup, with excitement building after the Dolphins secured a 26-run victory in their first encounter back on 21 December.
Will the Cape Cobras strike back this time, or will the in-form Dolphins maintain their dominance? Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect:
Cape Cobras vs Dolphins | Wednesday 11 January | Boland Park, Paarl | 13:30
Match Odds
Cape Cobras 63/100 | Tie 35/1 | Dolphins 27/20
Cape Cobras
After an opening day setback against the Dolphins, the Cobras have roared back, clinching three comfortable wins including a brilliant four-wicket triumph over the Titans at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The team followed this with an impressive seven-wicket victory over the Lions at the Wanderers, thanks to powerful innings from Pieter Malan and JP Duminy. Duminy’s form since retiring from Test cricket has been outstanding and fans will hope he continues to hold the innings together against the Dolphins this week.
The key for the Cobras will be their top order’s ability to handle the spin attack. Players like Richard Levi, Aviwe Mgijima, and Pieter Malan will need to negotiate some tricky bowling on what could be a spinning wicket.
If Duminy can anchor the innings for over 30 overs, the Cobras will certainly be competitive against a team they have yet to beat this season in any format.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins
The Dolphins will welcome a big boost with the return of Andile Phehlukwayo, who is set to play before joining the Proteas for the second Test against India.
Vaughn van Jaarsveld remains sidelined with a dislocated finger, so Sarel Erwee is likely to keep his spot despite his recent form struggles since his sensational century on Ram Slam T20’s opening day.
The Dolphins’ strength will likely be their spin attack, led by the exceptional Imran Tahir who excelled in difficult conditions during the Eastern Cape fixture. Alongside Tahir, spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen should play crucial roles, supported by seamers Robbie Frylinck, Sibonelo Makhanya, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Attie Maposa.
Verdict: Hollywoodbets Dolphins 29/20
There’s excellent value backing the Dolphins who have yet to taste defeat against the Cobras this season across all formats. The teams are quite evenly matched, but the Dolphins’ talented spin bowlers could prove decisive in this encounter!
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