SA20 out, 4 Day-series in: Hollywoodbets Dolphins ready for North West Dragons bout

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Men’s team will resume their domestic campaign this weekend following the conclusion of the Betway SA20, with a 4-Day series clash against the North West Dragons in Potchefstroom marking their return to red-ball cricket.

Several Dolphins players were involved across the SA20 franchises, delivering a number of standout performances during the tournament. Fast bowler Ottniel Baartman enjoyed a sensational campaign, finishing as the leading wicket taker and further cementing his status as the most prolific bowler in the history of the competition.

All-rounder Bryce Parsons played a key role in helping the Pretoria Capitals reach the final, while Dolphins skipper Keshav Maharaj was also influential as his side progressed to the championship match. With the SA20 now behind them, attention turns back to domestic duties and a crucial phase of the four-day series.

The Dolphins currently sit fifth on the log, but with the standings tightly packed, a win against the Dragons could propel them firmly into contention for a place in the final. Head coach Quinton Friend says the squad is refreshed and eager to get back into action.

“It’s been a nice break for some players, while others have been busy with the SA20, but we’re really excited to get going again,” Friend said.

“This is a crucial part of the season as we head into the back end of the four-day series and the One Day Cup, so the guys are definitely amped to perform in Dolphins colours.”

Friend was pleased with how his players represented the franchise during the SA20.

“It was great to see our guys put their hands up when it mattered. Bryce Parsons’ performance in Qualifier 1 to take his side into the final stands out,” he said.

“The way Nqobani Mokoena has stepped up during the tournament has been remarkable as well, especially from a young player’s perspective. There were also players who didn’t get many opportunities, and they’ll be hungry to come back and make an impact, which is important for us.”

With just two group matches remaining in the four-day series, the pressure is mounting for teams chasing a top-two finish. Friend believes his side understands the importance of a strong finish.

“We’re getting the squad back together in bits and pieces, but we’re back in the swing of things this week and really looking forward to it,” he said.

“These are two massive games. If we can get positive results, we give ourselves the best possible chance of finishing in the top two. The final is the motivation, but the focus right now is purely on North West.”

Prenelan Subrayen will captain the Dolphins in the absence of Marques Ackerman. Heading into the final two rounds of the group stage, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins sit fifth on the standings, but the table remains extremely tight.

Only a handful of points separate second place from fifth, meaning a single victory can dramatically alter the playoff picture. The Dafabet Warriors currently lead the standings, having set the pace through the opening rounds with a combination of strong batting with 92.4 points, followed by the Dragons on 84.36 points. 

The Dolphins occupy fifth spot, behind Lions and Boland and will definitely have to step it up a notch if they want to build momentum heading into the play-off rounds. 

Hollywoodbets Dolphins squad vs North West Dragons: Aryan Gopalan, Tristan Luus, Eathan Bosch, Tshepang Dithole, Nqobani Mokoena, Hanu Viljoen, Prenelan Subrayen (c), Bryce Parsons, Semal Pillay, Khaya Zondo, Romashan Pillay, Okuhle Cele, Slade van Staden, Andile Simelane.