The Hollywoodbets Dolphins head to the table-topping DP World Lions this week for their next CSA Four-Day Domestic Series clash at the DP World Wanderers starting on Thursday.
The Dolphins have been on a sublime run of form lately and last weekend racked up a seventh consecutive win across formats when they beat the North West Dragons by six wickets in the Four-Day Series.
This week will be another tough test for the Dolphins who take on an impressive Lions outfit that are yet to lose a match in the red ball competition this season.
The Dolphins currently sit in second place on the table and will be looking to push for a spot in the competition final. A chance to win a second trophy of the season.
Coach Quinton Friend knows how important this match is in the context of the competition but also in terms of testing yourselves against the top team in the competition.
"Every game is a big on in this competition now," Friend said. "It is the ultimate format and our boys are really looking forward to playing the log leaders.
"If you want to end up competing for the trophy then you have to be able to beat the best and this is a great opportunity for us to do that."
The Dolphins will be without Keshav Maharaj for this match as well as Andile Simelane who has an injury. They have welcomed back Marques Ackerman from injury and included both Eathan Bosch and Banele Cele in their squad.
Friend believes that the squad they are taking to Johannesburg will cover whatever eventuality might occur.
"I think the balance of the squad means that we cover our bases nicely and we will only really know what we are going to do when we see what we have in front of us at the Wanderers.
"It's great to have these different options available to us especially for such a big game in the competition."
Coming off a streak of seven wins the Dolphins are flying high on and off the field. Friend feels that the buy-in from the players has been crucial to their success.
"The guys have really enjoyed each other’s success and that has been huge. The boys have fun together on and off the field and have built strong connections as well.
"The boys are enjoying being in each other’s presence and giving their absolute best for the Dolphins. That has been a massive thing for me; the guys are fully invested in winning games for the Dolphins.
"We find ourselves in a very fortunate position where we turned things around and with two matches left in the Four-Day Series group phase our focus is purely on that," Friend added.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad
Marques Ackerman, Okuhle Cele, SJ Erwee, Prenelan Subrayen, Eathan Bosch, Romashan Pillay, Hanu Viljoen, Daryn Dupavillon, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, Banele Cele, Tristan Luus, Khaya Zondo, Tshepang Dithole.
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