The KZN Dolphins will go into their T20 Challenge semi-final against the EP Warriors at Kingsmead on Thursday full of confidence.
The Dolphins have won five games on the bounce heading into the playoffs.
It’s been a tournament that has seen the Dolphins rotate their squad successfully with players coming into the side and performing. That has kept the squad in good shape as they aim for a third T20 final in four seasons.
The Dolphins were unfortunate to lose their leading run scorer, Bryce Parsons, to injury, however the opening batsman is fit for the semi-final.
Coach Imraan Khan feels that the team are in the best space possible going into the match.
“It’s great to see the form that the team has been in lately and we’ve built a lot of confidence through the tournament.
“It’s been a long campaign, but the way the team has improved through the tournament has been pleasing for the coaching staff.
“We know how good the Warriors are, they’ve played some good cricket this tournament, so we know how tough this one is going to be.”
Throughout the competition the Dolphins have had a number of players who have stepped up and performed. For Khan, having that depth has been a crucial part of their campaign.
“We’ve lost a few players through the competition, and we’ve been happy with how the other players have come in and played well.
“Growing that depth in our squad has been an important goal of ours and it’s been pleasing to see how well our squad as a whole has performed.”
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The Warriors dominated the early part of the competition and were the team to catch in the first half of the T20 Challenge.
“We’ve seen throughout the competition how dangerous the Warriors are,” Khan said. “They’ve got strength across the side and have been in good form, and if you add a playoff game into the mix they will tough to beat.”
Thursday’s match gets underway at 6pm and will be broadcast on SuperSport Variety 1.
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: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
