Following a dominant run over the Imperial Lions in the Betway T20 Challenge on 24 February, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins have qualified for the competition final with one group game to go this Friday.
It was a slick performance with the ball from the Dolphins who strangled the Lions’ top order with some pin-point bowling that kept the Johannesburg side under pressure throughout. Prenelan Subrayen, spinner, was the pick of the bowlers with three for 18 from his four overs while there were wickets for all the other bowlers.
Despite the strong display from the bowlers, Captain Keshav Maharaj singled out the batting unit when reviewing the match. He said: “The bowlers up front set the tone but the full credit goes to the batters. I thought it was a very difficult wicket to start and David (Miller) showed his experience and we knew that 150 was a competitive total and the bowlers supported them well. We don’t want to take the next game for granted leading into the final and it’s important that we keep doing what we are doing well.”
The Dolphins lost the dangerous Sarel Erwee early in their innings when he was run-out for seven with the score on 13. It seemed the going was tough throughout for the Dolphins batsmen as Keagan Petersen and Ruan de Swardt tried to give the side a platform to launch from despite the tight bowling from the Lions. De Swardt was the second man out when he was bowled by Dwaine Pretorius for 14 but the side couldn’t get any serious momentum going. Petersen and Dave Miller then got the scoreboard ticking over with a partnership of 26 before Petersen fell for 35 off 34 balls.
The Dolphins’ leading run-scorer in the competition Khaya Zondo then added 13 to the total before he was castled by Kagiso Rabada with the total on 91 in the fifteenth over. Dave Miller showed his experience at the other end by continuing to remain patient and along with Mangaliso Mosehle put together a 60-run stand. Miller ended on a crucial 56, not out, off 38 deliveries. His knock included two fours and three sixes. Mosehle played an important hand with 18 not out off 16 balls as the Dolphins ended on 151 for four.
The performance with the ball from the Dolphins booked them their first bonus point of the competition and an automatic spot in the final of the competition on Sunday 28 February.
With one game left against the Momentum Multiply Titans, Maharaj wants his side to continue their momentum when they play their final group game.
