Squad depth to carry Dolphins through T20 Challenge:
Durban – Following confirmation that Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo has been ruled out of the Betway T20 Challenge through injury, the table-topping Hollywoodbets Dolphins will rely on their significant squad depth for the remainder of the competition.
The Dolphins have replaced Phehlukwayo, who hurt his back during the Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ fixture against the Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras, with young Maritzburg College all-rounder Andile Simelane, who was also part of the squad during their Momentum One Day Cup campaign.
Coach Imraan Khan believes that despite losing an important player like Phehlukwayo there is more than enough depth in the squad.
“I think we have a really good, strong squad of players to choose from,” Khan said. “The competition in the squad is really good and everyone wants to play and that is how it should be.
“It’s good that we have got the options and it’s really just about getting the guys in a good space and getting them to execute when they are in the eleven for game day.”
There was also a question mark over speedster Daryn Dupavillon’s fitness; however he will remain with the squad and be monitored regularly.
“After he went for a scan on his ankle it is all clear but he’s not 100% confident at the moment so he will be checked on a daily basis and we’ll make those decisions closer to game time.”
With the competition taking place over such a confined period, the pitches being used have been an important talking point, however for Khan he thinks the conditions have played as expected throughout the tournament so far.
“The conditions have been stock-standard for Kingsmead and if you looked at the par scores coming into the competition they have been around the 150 mark.
“That is how things have panned out so far but I think going deeper into the competition we might get onto some slightly better wickets with the expectation that we’ll play on the international pitches.
“Those strips are generally very good for white ball cricket so we are expecting there to be some bigger totals,” Khan added.
The Dolphins will come up against the Imperial Lions and the Momentum Multiply Titans in their final two group games. The two Gauteng sides have arguably the strongest line-ups but the Dolphins won’t change their approach going into those two matches.
“Those teams are good but we are a good side as well so we aren’t going to approach the matches any differently.
“We have always tried to put all the focus on ourselves and our processes and if we play good cricket I don’t think the opposition really matters.”
Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium sees the only two undefeated sides in the competition in action when the Dolphins face the Lions. The match starts at 14:30.
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KZN Coastal Women’s side ready to get going:
Durban – Following an extended period of uncertainty, the Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal Women’s side are finally about to begin their season with the CSA Women’s Provincial Programme taking place in a bio-secure environment in East London starting on Tuesday.
The women’s side has been put in a group with North West and Border so the side will meet some strong opposition.
Coach of the side Darryll Govender understands that his side is going to come up against some stiff opposition and has given his team a clear objective for their upcoming 50 over matches.
“We want to start well but we also need to make sure that we keep getting better,” Govender said. “It’s important that we remain in the top six so that is the goal ultimately and we are only going to stay in the top six by playing good cricket.
“The girls are very excited to get going and get back out on the park so the enthusiasm is there and we are really keen to put in some good performances.”
The KZN Women’s side is usually stacked with Momentum Proteas stars but that won’t be the case for their upcoming tournament but Govender believes that they have got a strong enough side without their international stars.
“We have got a good mix of youth and experience which is going to be very important for us.
“The side is going to be well equipped to do well and I am excited to see how they go after such a long period without cricket.”
With four 50 over games in the schedule and two matches back-to-back Govender’s side are going to have to start well when they face North West in their first game on Tuesday.
“The first game is what we are focusing on because if we start well and win that one it takes pressure off us.
“We can then go into our second game with less pressure and if we can win that one then we are in a great position,” he added.
Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal Women’s squad:
Dheyanka Naidoo, Jade de Figuiredo, Nadine Moodley, Sabathile Madlala, Kiara Fischer, Nomzamo Shabane, Courtney Gounden, Nicol de Klerk, Sisanda Ngubane, Nosipho Yaka, Ayanda Hlubi, Nobhule Busane, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Pretty Molefe.
The post KZN Coastal Women’s side ready to get going appeared first on Hollywoodbets Dolphins.
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