The 4-Day Domestic Series finalists will be decided after the last round of the competition, which starts on Wednesday.
The table topping KZN Dolphins travel to Cape Town to take on Western Province in their final match starting on Wednesday.
The Dolphins ground out an emphatic victory against the North West Dragons last week which catapulted them to the top of the overall log heading into the final round.
The defending champions are yet to lose a match in the current campaign with two wins and four draws from their six matches so far this season.
Going into the final round, the log-leading Dolphins will play fourth-placed Western Province, while the second-placed Northerns Titans take on the third-placed Central Gauteng Lions.
However, Dolphins assistant coach Quinton Friend insists they won’t be approaching the match like a semi-final.
“It might have a semi-final feel to it but we are going to make sure that we focus on what we can achieve from this game and not look past the four days ahead of us,” Friend said.
“It’s going to be a tough encounter against Western Province who will be back to full strength with a number of players returning from New Zealand. Whether those players play will remain to be seen, but we do not take them lightly.
“We’ll make sure we do what we need to do to get through this week and give ourselves the best shot at qualifying for another final.”
Friend says the Dolphins’ win last week in tough conditions in Potchefstroom gave the side a boost.
“To be in the field for almost two full days in 36 degree heat took its toll, but the guys are ready and geared up for Western Province this week.
“We will be taking a lot of confidence to Cape Town from that performance in Potch, but we’ve been playing good cricket in this competition this season, so we are excited to have another crack at qualifying for the final.”
The Dolphins will be without Andile Phehlukwayo this week who is unavailable for selection due to family matters, however they will welcome back Eathan Bosch and SA20 Bowler of the Tournament Ottniel Baartman.
Baartman was given last week off after his heroics in the recent SA20 that helped the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a second consecutive title.
Bosch has recovered from an injury and will link up with the squad for their trip to Cape Town this week.
WATCH LIVE: 4-Day Series (Round 7, Day 1)
Meanwhile, WP coach Salieg Nackerdien says his team is treating the match as a semi-final.
“The next four days will be a challenge for all of us involved, characters will be tested and play a big role going into this game. The nice thing to see is that both departments have put in top performances during the course of our campaign and this week is another opportunity to play some good cricket.
“I see this game as a semi-final and is a must win in the context of the competition. The squad that assembles this week will be backed and we have the trust in them to take us over the line. Its another opportunity to get into a final”.
4-Day Series final-round fixtures:
KZN Inland Tuskers vs EP Warriors (09:00)
Boland Rocks vs North West Dragons (10:00)
Western Province vs KZN Dolphins (10:00)
Northerns Titans vs Central Gauteng Lions (10:00)
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
