Dolphins embrace T20 excitement ahead of Pro20 Cup opener
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are relishing the opportunity to switch their attention to T20 cricket as they prepare to launch their YesPlay Pro20 Cup campaign against the DP World Lions at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday.
With the shortest format bringing its own unique energy and excitement, Dolphins head coach Quinton Friend believes his squad is well equipped for the challenge and is looking forward to seeing his players express themselves on the field.
“Going into a T20 competition is always exciting,” Friend said. “I think from a team point of view, we’re quite well structured in terms of what we have available to us for this T20 competition.
“The excitement is there and the guys are super keen to get going this weekend."
Friend says the atmosphere around T20 cricket is something his players thrive on, with the Dolphins determined to make the most of the opportunity to begin their campaign in front of their home supporters.
“I think there’s always a different energy. The hype and the excitement around T20 cricket is always fantastic,” he said.
“We’ve got two home games to start with and it’s important that we can get off to a good start in this competition.
“We really want people to come out and support the Dolphins. Unfortunately, we missed out narrowly last year and it is a competition we’ve done well in.
“It’s important that we know we’ve got the full backing here of the Durban faithful to come out and support the boys and I’m sure we'll put in a good performance starting on Sunday.”
Friend is confident that the Dolphins have plenty of options within their squad, with opportunities available for players to make an impact during the Pro20 Cup.
“I think we’ve got a good squad. We signed a good squad and, obviously, you’ll lose a few players to the Proteas but that opens opportunities for other players to step up and put in good, positive performances for the team.
“From that point of view, I think we’re quite well stacked in terms of what type of team we can put out.
“I think it’s just more about looking forward to the challenge, putting in the hard yards now to try and make sure that we can come out on Sunday and play freely and allow the guys to express themselves.
“You’ll probably see a totally different perspective of where the team’s at, to be honest.”
Sunday's opener also gives the Dolphins the opportunity to return to Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, with Friend excited about starting the campaign on home soil.
“It’s always lovely to play at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, and obviously we haven’t had a home game yet this season,” he said.
“Both our four-day games were away and it’s always nice to come back here and play, and it’s looking fantastic at the moment as well.
“We’re really looking forward to it and all I can ask for is just to get the fans to come out and support us.”
The Dolphins will be hoping for a strong turnout at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday as they begin their Pro20 Cup campaign against the Lions.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins YesPlay T20 Cup Squad
Bryce Parsons, Khaya Zondo, Grant Roelofsen, Marques Ackerman, Jason Smith, Hanu Viljoen, Gomolemo Phiri, Prenelan Subrayen, Nqobani Mokoena, Tristan Luus, Okuhle Cele, Keith Dudgeon, Sean Gilson, Ottniel Baartman, Bayanda Majola, Romashan Pillay, Joshua Richards, Semal Pillay, Ntando Zuma.
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