The Dolphins will be banking on the broad bat of Lance Klusener, among others, to consolidate their position at the top of the MTN domestic championship cricket log when they host the Highveld Lions in Durban on Wednesday.
The match features joint-log leaders the Dolphins against the side propping up the bottom of the log, although the Lions have played only one game so far and will be eager to prove their credentials in Durban.
The Dolphins are in the middle of a serious test of stamina in an eight-day period in which they will play four games. They were in action twice last weekend and play again on Friday before getting a week’s break.
Their position on the log — they share top spot with the Cape Cobras on eight points after three games — could even have been a little better had they not made a hash of trying to get three runs to win off the last four balls against the Diamond Eagles on Friday. They got only two of those as the game ended in a thrilling tie.
Klusener was in the mix then, playing an important innings of 38 before an ordinary attempt at a reverse sweep cost him his wicket at a vital stage, and the Dolphins lost their way after that.
The powerful lefthander, however, redeemed himself in typical fashion on Sunday when he smashed Titans bowler Brendan Reddy for 21 runs off five balls in the final over, en route to an unbeaten 58 to take the Dolphins to an amazing two-wicket win over the Titans.
The Lions, though, will need to be wary not only of Klusener. On Sunday, Hashim Amla put together a fantastic knock of 101 off 92 balls to set up the victory charge and Kyle Smit, Doug Watson, Ahmed Amla and Dale Benkenstein pose a significant threat as well.
But there may be some question marks behind the Dolphins attack after they conceded 293 runs against the Titans and failed to capitalise after reducing the Diamond Eagles to 58-5.
They will not be able to allow Neil McKenzie’s side similar latitude, especially as the Lions will be determined to get their one-day campaign off the ground after an opening loss to the Diamond Eagles.
They will be missing seamer Charl Langeveldt on Wednesday and will be looking to players like Garnett Kruger, Friedel de Wet and experienced spinner Claude Henderson to put the brakes on the Dolphins batting.
Last season’s one-day cricketer of the year, Stephen Cook, leads a batting side that includes potent players such as Alviro Petersen, Justin Ontong, skipper McKenzie and Vaughn van Jaarsveld, a quartet of batsmen who should ensure Wednesday’s game is a keenly contested affair.
Former Warriors player Tyron Henderson, who adds a reputation as a devastating hitter to his useful seam bowling, is expected to make his first appearance for the Lions. — Sapa
Squads:
Lions: Neil McKenzie (captain), Stephen Cook, Alviro Petersen, Justin Ontong, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Matthew Harris, Claude Henderson, Tyron Henderson, Friedel de Wet, Eugene Moleon, Werner Coetsee.
Dolphins: Ahmed Amla (captain), Hashim Amla, Dale Benkenstein, Duncan Brown, Jon Kent, Imraan Khan, Johann Louw, Kyle Smit, Lance Klusener, Andrew Tweedie, Doug Watson, Yusuf Abdullah, Saidi Mhlongo
This week’s MTN fixtures are:
Wednesday: Dolphins vs Highveld Lions in Durban
Friday: Cape Cobras vs Dolphins in Cape Town; Warriors vs Diamond Eagles in Port Elizabeth.
Sunday: Highveld Lions vs Warriors in Potchefstroom; Diamond Eagles vs Titans in Kimberley.