Jason Smith bats for the Dolphins against the Lions as the two sides meet in the T20 Challenge today. | BackpagePix
The KZN based side have suffered two defeats in their opening matches, and the long trip to Johannesburg will offer them a chance to get their first win in a shortened tournament that will not see both these sides meet again unless their paths cross in the play-offs or knock-outs.
The Dolphins, who are rooted to the bottom of the log, have suffered some significant losses.
First, their six-wicket loss against the Warriors in the opening round was rescued by Eathan Bosch (45) with his power hitting towards the end. And so they managed to scrape through a defendable total which the Warriors managed to chase down with four balls to spare.
The Dolphins were on the receiving end of yet another Titans’ score (210-3) over the 200 mark. A big task to chase down such a huge target, especially against a formidable Titans bowling attack. Their 51-run loss against the log leader was not heavy but also had a huge impact on their run rate.
Marques Ackerman (42) top scored for the Dolphins in the same match, and they will be happy to also have the services of all-rounder Andile Simelane in time for the clash today.
The Lions on the other hand, recovered from their opening day loss to beat the Warriors by 62 runs and they gained momentum ahead of what will be the repeat of last season’s final.
An all-round good batting performance saw Wandile Makwetu top-score with 55 off 41 balls. Reeza Hendricks (41) returned to the side from national duties in the UAE and he also played a massive hand in the mammoth Lions total of 239.
Western Province v Titans
Elsewhere, Winless Western Province will take on in-form Titans at SuperSport Park Stadium. Province, who missed out on a chance to take on neighbours Boland in the opening round due to persistent rain, suffered a three-wicket loss against the North West Dragons on Friday, as they head to a must win match against the tournament favourites.
The Dragons have won two from two, and they will next host Boland in Potchefstroom. The visitors will be out to also carry their winning momentum, but their immediate task will be to stop in-form captain Wiaan Lubbe who has hit two consecutive half centuries.
Knights v Warriors
The Warriors will be home to the Knights following their super over loss against Boland on Friday. Currently second from bottom, the Knights will face a Warriors side bolstered by the returning captain Matthew Breetzke and Patrick Kruger, as they continue to push for their first win since their promotion from division two.