Dolphins face must-win double

After earning just one victory from their recent three-match stint on the road, and having been docked two vital points for a slow over rate against the bizhub Highveld Lions on Friday, the Durban side must win both their remaining round robin matches if they are to stand any chance of reaching the knock-out phase of the 50 over competition.

“The last three games we’ve played, we’ve struggled to put the three disciplines consistently,” said Sunfoil Dolphins all-rounder Ryan McLaren.

“We’ve wanted to take the basics and apply those as consistently as possible but we haven’t been able to do that.

“We showed good signs in the last game, against the Lions, where we fought well in the field but then at costly times, we dropped catches and from a batting point of view, we’ve got to put more partnerships together,” he added.

Head coach Lance Klusener and the selection panel has named a 14-man squad not dissimilar to the one that suffered a narrow eight run loss to the Lions late last week and which includes Mthokozisi Shezi who will continue his loan deal from the Cape Cobras for the remainder of the competition.

With it all to play for, the Dolphins batsmen will all be eager to kick on from the various starts many of them have got in recent matches while a lengthy and diverse bowling attack will give captain Morné van Wyk a variety of options in the field.

“We’ve got two games, we’ve got to win both and one with a bonus point so it’s a good time to step up!” said McLaren.

“Hopefully we can put in two really good performances that can also make the fans proud to be associated with the Dolphins!”

While currently occupying sixth place on the log, two positive outcomes in Durban and a couple of other results in their favour may yet see the Sunfoil Dolphins even finish second and earn the right to host the MODC qualifier on Wednesday, 24 February.

Sunfoil Dolphins fans are urged to head to Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and get behind the boys for both Wednesday and Saturday’s all-important clashes, both of which will see play get underway at 14h00.

Tickets are available at www.ticketpro.co.za or at the stadium’s ticket office. Ticket prices start at R30 for scholars and R40 for adults while parking tickets are also available.

Sunfoil Dolphins fans also stand a chance of winning a Sahara Stadium Kingsmead VIP Experience for themselves and ten friends which will see them enjoy Wednesday’s clash from the comfort of a suite while snacking on a complimentary Hollywoodbets bunny chow and a drink.

Fans can enter by going to www.facebook.co.za/DolphinsCricket, ‘Liking’ the page and sharing the competition post. The competition closes at 10h00 on Wednesday, 10 February, the winner will be notified via Facebook and terms and conditions apply.

More information can be found at www.dolphinscricket.co.za

Sunfoil Dolphins squad:

Morné van Wyk (Captain), Craig Alexander, Cody Chetty, Sarel Erwee, Keshav Maharaj, Sibonelo Makhanya, Ryan McLaren, Ayavuya Myoli, Kyle Nipper, Andile Phehlukwayo, Calvin Savage, Mthokozisi Shezi, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Khaya Zondo, Lance Klusener (head coach), Rivash Gobind (assistant coach)

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