Central Gauteng Lions batting coach Hashim Amla says they have several men who can do the job for them in Sunday’s T20 Challenge final against the KZN Dolphins at the Wanderers.
The Lions topped the log with 10 wins from 14 matches, before beating the Northerns Titans in their semi-final.
A lot of their success has been down to opening batsman Ryan Rickelton (423 runs at a strike rate of 144.36) and Reeza Hendricks (367 at a strike rate of 140.07).
In the semi-final, Rassie van der Dussen scored an unbeaten 73* after coming in at No 3, with Temba Bavuma contributing 19* at No 4.
“All the batsmen have kind of got in, managed to get some runs and have confidence under their belt that if need be that they can score the runs and do the job for the team,” said Amla.
“Our focus is to concentrate more on what our strengths are as a team. Our batting unit has been superb up front. So weather we manage to get a good start or not, it’s fine because we’ve got some quality players in the middle order.
“We’ve got Rassie van der Dussen, and Temba Bavuma who are national players. Guys with a lot of experience. So hopefully, if by some chance we don’t get a good start up front, then these guys can kind of pick it up and create that momentum for us.”
Amla emphasised the importance of trusting in the team’s preparation and allowing the players to perform naturally. He also highlighted the mental fortitude displayed by the players throughout the season and the significance of winning key moments in the game.
“Finals are always exciting. You kind of feel that you need to do something special out of the ordinary. You have to trust that your preparation has been done in the games that have been played before; and that the team’s mental preparation has been solid enough throughout, so that on the day of the game they will perform. I think that’s been a big thing with the teams, to allow the process to take its course.”
The Dolphins also go into the final with confidence having won their last six matches, including their semi-final against the EP Warriors.
Coach Imraan Khan acknowledged the challenge posed by the Lions but expressed confidence in his team’s ability.
“The Lions are a hell of a good side. They’ve played good cricket the whole season, and in particular in this T20 competition.
“But we’ve also played good cricket in this T20 competition. We’ve played really nice cricket away from home and this is another opportunity for us to do the basics really well. And hopefully if we are able to execute the basics well, that will put us in a good place to get the result that we want.
“In terms of T20 cricket and what this group of players have done over the last couple of years, it’s been phenomenal,” he added. “This is our fourth final in four consecutive seasons.
“Khaya Zondo played an exceptional knock for us in the semi-final. He’s shown glimpses of it since he’s transitioned into that opening position. And hopefully he continues that form into Sunday’s match.
“But I look at the performances of our group throughout the campaign. It’s been a real collective effort. Everybody’s kind of stood up when the team needed a performance. And again, we hope that that will be the case on Sunday.”
Sunday’s final will start at 2pm and be broadcast live on SuperSport Action (channel 210).
Central Gauteng Lions squad: Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Mitchell van Buuren, Wiaan Mulder, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (c), Tshepo Moreki, Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, Zubayr Hamza, Connor Esterhuizen, Junaid Dawood, Nqaba Peter, Kagiso Rabada, Delano Potgieter, Lutho Sipamla.
KZN Dolphins squad: Prenelan Subrayen (c), Grant Roelofsen, Daryn Dupavillon, Eathan Bosch, Tristan Luus, Khaya Zondo, Brad Porteous, Andile Simelane, Okuhle Cele, Jason Smith, Tshepang Dithole, Jon-Jon Smuts, Bryce Parsons, Andile Phehlukwayo, Marques Ackerman.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
