• Maharaj to lead Dolphins’ challenge

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    Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the KZN Dolphins in the T20 Challenge, which starts next week.

    Maharaj led Durban’s Super Giants to this year’s SA20 final, and has captained the Proteas in both T20I and ODI cricket.

    “To have a player like Keshav leading us is massive and the players understand his value as a leader,” said Dolphins coach Imraan Khan.

    “He’s proven that he is one of the best spinners in white ball cricket and continues to produce performances regularly which is a big bonus for us.

    “He will have a number of vastly experienced T20 players around him and we are looking forward to the competition starting next week.”

    The Dolphins have come close to the T20 Challenge title recently, with two finals in the last three seasons.

    With the likes of Maharaj, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo and SA20 Bowler of the Tournament Ottniel Baartman in the squad, the Dolphins hope to go one step further than last season and lift the trophy.

    “We have got some strong depth in our squad and ultimately that’s what you always want,” said Khan.

    “There are a lot of players who played regularly in the SA20, and also players that were around the various franchises picking up experience. Those guys will be eager to showcase what they learnt during the tournament.

    “A T20 competition always excites the players and excites the fans so we are looking forward to making the most of the last competition of the season.”

    The Dolphins have named an extended squad of 19 players which includes the likes of youngsters Andile Simelane, Brad Porteous and Bryce Parsons, sprinkled amongst the experienced heads of Prenelan Subrayen, SJ Erwee and Khaya Zondo.

    A new addition to the Dolphins squad for the T20 Challenge is fast bowler Tristan Luus, who played an important role in South Africa’s recent U19 World Cup campaign.

    KZN Dolphins T20 squad: Keshav Maharaj (c), Grant Roelofsen, Bryce Parsons, Eathan Bosch, Khaya Zondo, Marques Ackerman, Jon-Jon Smuts, Brad Porteous, Jason Smith, Andile Phehlukwayo, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen, Ottniel Baartman, Okuhle Cele, Daryn Dupavillon, Tristan Luus, Odirile Modimokoane, Tshepang Dithole, SJ Erwee.

    ALSO: Four Proteas in Titans’ T20 squad

    Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

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    Simon Borchardt