Dolphins chase Sunfoil Series Top 3

THE Sunfoil Dolphins take on The Unlimited Titans in a Sunfoil Series encounter at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead from Thursday, 10 to Sunday, 13 March and have already made two changes to their squad in anticipation.

A steady foundation from openers Khan (90) and Sarel Erwee (57), a ton from returning captain Morné van Wyk (122) in his maiden 'first class' appearance this season and valiant efforts with the ball from Daryn Dupavillon (5/49 and 2/32), Craig Alexander (4/45) and Andile Phehlukwayo (39) earned the Durban side victory over the Warriors last week. The reappearance of a skin condition has left Khan unavailable for selection while Calvin Savage is left out due to his involvement in the KZN provincial team that takes on Border in East London this weekend, paving the way for Tshepang Dithole to join the 12-man squad.

“Immy’s skin psoriasis has flared up again, which means that he will be out of action until 14 March,” said coach Yashin Embrahim.

“It has obviously got nothing to do with form or anything – it is purely medical. “Jonathan Vandiar will come in for him in a straight swop at the top of the order. Credit

must go to Jonathan who has put up his hand to open the batting,” he added.

After the batsmen notched up 450/8 declared by close of play on the rain and bad light affected second day’s play in East London, Dupavillon and Alexander skittled the hosts for just 209 on the match’s third day, prompting Van Wyk to waste little time in enforcing the follow on.

Two second innings wickets from Dupavillon later that day – to give him seven in the match – and Phehlukwayo’s career best First Class figures then had the Warriors all

out for just 187 before lunch on the fourth morning.

Dupavillon believes the bowling unit can take good confidence from their most recent performance but is also well aware of the greater task this week’s table topping Titans present compared to last week’s sixth place Warriors.

“The nice thing about the attack, especially last week, was that it wasn’t just one guy doing well there were contributions from the entire attack throughout the game which was an important part in us winning,” said Dupavillon.

“This weekend will be another big challenge with the Titans top order definitely being one of the strongest in the franchise system.

“I know that all the bowlers are really up for the challenge and we are all really looking forward to being back at Kingsmead,” added the 21 year-old fast bowler.

Play gets underway at 9.30am at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday, 10 March and entrance to all Sunfoil Series match is free.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial team will also be in action this weekend when they take on Border at Buffalo Park in East London in a Sunfoil 3-Day Cup clash from Thursday, 10 March to Saturday, 12 March and a CSA Provincial 1-Day Challenge match on Sunday, 13 March.

Sunfoil Dolphins squad: Morné van Wyk (captain), Craig Alexander, Tshepang Dithole, Daryn Dupavillon, Sarel Erwee, Keshav Maharaj, Andile Phehlukwayo, Mthokozisi Shezi, Daryn Smit, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Jonathan Vandiar, Khaya Zondo, Roger Telemachus (coach), Yashin Ebrahim (coach)

KZN squad: Cody Chetty, Rabian Engelbrecht, Craig Kirsten, Sibonelo Makhanya, Senuran Muthusamy, Ainsley Ndlovu, Mishkal Ramsaroop, Jonny Riekert, Calvin Savage, Brandon Scullard, Daniel Sincuba, Prenelan Subrayen, Mthandeki Tshabalala, Rivash Gobind (coach), Thokozani Zulu (assistant coach)

Visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za for more information.