Lions head coach Enoch Nkwe is cautious of the threat posed by the Dolphins, ahead of this week’s CSA T20 Challenge semi-final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

The Dolphins were all but out of contention for a semi-final berth, until late round-robin victories over the Cape Cobras and Warriors secured Wednesday’s berth against the Lions.

‘We’re very wary of the Dolphins. They are an extremely dangerous side, as they’ve proved in these past two games,’ said Nkwe.

‘They were in the final last year. They were in the last two 50-over finals, so they know how to play when it gets to the crunch end of the season.

‘We do understand the threat they pose. They will come out here determined. We just have to make sure we’re ready for them.’

The Lions topped the 2019 tournament’s six-team standings, after five wins, two defeats and three washouts in 10 matches.

‘It has been very interesting what’s happened after all those rained-out games. We did battle to find some momentum before that, but then suddenly we’ve regrouped after losing to the Warriors, and beat the Cobras and the Titans,’ added Nkwe.

‘The guys have dug deep, did some soul-searching and have hit back exceptionally well. I’m just really happy with how the group has responded.’

‘This is a massive game for us and we need to make sure we keep trusting our systems. I’m looking forward to it.’

The Warriors and Cobras will contest Wednesday’s other semi-final at Buffalo Park in East London. The final will be played on Sunday.

Photo: Gallo Images