Durban dives in for T20 double dose:
A strong representation by the DolFAN Army is expected at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Sunday, 4 December as the province’s cricket fraternity looks to be part of all the excitement and action of the CSA T20 Challenge double header that sees the Hollywoodbets Dolphins take on the BuildNat Cape Cobras and the Warriors square off against the bizhub Highveld Lions.
Fresh off their victory over the table-topping Multiply Titans on Wednesday, the Dolphins hope to continue their winning ways when they face up to the Cape based side in the day’s second match that gets underway at 14h30 while the all-important Warriors vs. Lions clash commences at 10h00.
With the in-form Cameron Delport and Morné van Wyk, global T20 sensation Kevin Pietersen, Proteas spinners Keshav Maharaj – back from national duty – and Imran Tahir as well as the dangerous all-rounder Robbie Frylinck all named in the Dolphins squad, the home team will look to cement their position in the top half of the table with a positive result.
Delport, who has amassed 200 runs in six innings at an average of 40.00 and a strike rate of 142.85 and claimed ten vitals wickets with the ball, has played a key role in getting the Dolphins to third place on the log and his contribution will again be crucial this Sunday.
He and opening batting partner Morné van Wyk – who himself has notched up 223 runs in six innings at an average of 37.16 and a strike rate of 139.37 to sit third on the competition’s Most Runs list, two places higher than Delport – have been vital for the KZN franchise.
The pair will hope to again combine successfully this weekend, giving their side a good platform from which the likes of Pietersen, Maharaj and Frylinck can launch later on in their batting innings.
The workman-like approach of Cody Chetty – who has accumulated scores of 46*, 35 and 28* – all at better than a run-a-ball rate – and the experienced Khaya Zondo in the middle order will too give the Durban outfit’s batting line-up confidence ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Fit-again fast bowler, Rabian Engelbrecht – ruled out of Wednesday’s encounter due to a plaguing back injury – is available for selection once more while all-rounder Calvin Savage – another to have recently recovered from injury, his a side strain – has also been named in the 14-man squad.
Durbanites are reminded that both of this weekend’s matches in Durban will be televised and so are urged to get down to Sahara Stadium Kingsmead to stand a chance to ‘Catch a Million’ by taking a clean, one-handed catch off any six hit during either contest.
Fans can purchase their tickets to Sunday’s double dose of T20 action at the stadium’s ticket office or online at www.ticketpro.co.za from R30.
HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS SQUAD:
Morné van Wyk (captain), Cody Chetty, Cameron Delport, Rabian Engelbrecht, Robbie Frylinck, Mbasa Gqadushe, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Nipper, Kevin Pietersen, Calvin Savage, Mthokozisi Shezi, Prenelan Subrayen, Imran Tahir, Khaya Zondo
Full article here: Hollywoodbets Dolphins – DolphinsCricket
KZN’s young stars ready for national challenge:
KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union honoured the province’s crop of future cricketing stars and wished them well for their various age-group national weeks this December at the annual KZN Schools Capping Ceremony in the Presidential Suite at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday evening.
With Hollywoodbets Dolphins captain Morné van Wyk and team mates Cody Chetty and Sibonelo Makhanya – both who graduated from the KZN Schools programme into Franchise cricket – in attendance, the young primary and high pupils enjoyed their share of the limelight as they received their KZN caps from their local cricketing heroes and messages of support from key delegates.
“We congratulate all of our youngsters on being selected to play for KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union’s provincial schools teams,” said KZNCU president, Fa-eez Jaffar. “It is indeed an honour and a privilege to represent our wonderful province.”
“These weeks give you the opportunity to forge friendships with players from different backgrounds and cultures and different parts of our beautiful country that will last a lifetime,” added KZNCU Amateur Manager, Jay Naidoo. “Good luck and best wishes!”
The action gets underway with the CSA U13 Boys Week in Cape Town from 9-13 December, CSA U15 Boys Week in Potchefstroom from 8-12 December and the CSA U19 Girls Week in Pretoria from 9-13 December.
The Rural U17 Boys Week then takes place in Nelspruit from 10-14 December and the CSA U17 Boys Week in Benoni from 11-15 December.
“This is the culmination of many hours of hard work and sacrifice that have contributed to this significant milestone,” said KZN Primary Schools Cricket Association Chairperson, Charles Morgan. “We wish all of our teams and travelling parents a safe journey to the various venues.”
“In representing our province, you have the responsibility to be outstanding ambassadors both on and off the field,” heeded KZN High Schools Cricket Association Chairperson, Siva Subrayen. “Let fair play and good sportsmanship be your mantra at all times!”
The programme then culminates in the much-anticipated Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 Week in Bloemfontein from 16-20 December where Glenwood High School’s Joel Veeran will hope to lead the KZN Schools side to victory.
“We back ourselves, and with the team we have this year we want to win all six of our games,” explained Veeran.
“We believe we are the best and we’re looking to go out there and prove it.
“As players we know each other well, the relationships are good and the team vibe is great, which I’m sure will also help the team be successful at Coke Week.”
Veeran, who made his debut at the tournament last year and went on to earn SA Colts selection, is excited by the opportunity to lead his side in Bloemfontein as well as the launching pad the tournament gives himself and his team mates to further their careers.
“Coming into such a prestigious event like Coke Week, experienced players are a big factor and hopefully I can bring a bit of a calming effect and a lot of tactical advise to the team.
“Learning to cope with the amount of pressure that Coke Week brings is a stepping stone for every young cricketer’s career, while being selected for SA Schools or SA Colts can also make a huge difference in players trying to make it to the top.”
Full article here: Hollywoodbets Dolphins – DolphinsCricket
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