Nini reflects on opening match as Dragons return to Hollywoodbets Pro Series

The North West Dragons Women marked their return to the Hollywoodbets Pro Series with a clash against the Fidelity Titans, their first season in the top flight since the professionalisation of the women’s league two years ago.

The Dragons suffered a 44-run defeat in the Hollywoodbets Pro50 encounter before rain forced a draw in the Pro20 fixture.

Reflecting on the team’s performance and the experience of returning to the top division, captain, Nthabiseng Nini, took pride in the team’s effort and willingness to grow.

“It is amazing to be back in the Pro Series. You can immediately feel the step up in quality, the standard of cricket and the overall professionalism.

“Playing against a strong side like the Titans Ladies in both formats was a great opportunity for us. It reminded us why we worked so hard to get promoted and what it takes to stay at this level.

“We showed that we can compete. The margins are small in Division 1 and capitalising on key moments will be crucial going forward. From the Pro50 match, we learned the importance of building partnerships and maintaining pressure over long spells, both with bat and ball.

“Meanwhile, in the Pro20, it was about adaptability and game awareness, especially under pressure. Individually, many of us got a real sense of the consistency required at this level."

Nini also commented on the skills needed and what will be vital as the season progresses.

“As a team, we realised how crucial small moments are. One dropped catch or one missed opportunity can swing a game. The intensity in Division 1 is definitely higher, every team is well-drilled and mistakes get punished quickly. The fielding standards and tactical awareness are top-notch. It’s a challenge but also motivating because we’re testing ourselves against some of the best players in the country."

Looking ahead, the Dragons Women will host Hollywoodbets Pro20 champions, WSB Western Province, at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, with lessons from the opening weekend front of mind.

“There are many positives to take from our games against the Titans, especially with the ball. We’ve shown that we can restrict a strong opposition to under 200 runs, now it’s about consistency. If we keep applying what we’ve learned and build on those good periods, the results will follow. The belief is there; we just need to keep improving game by game,” concluded Nini.

Fixtures

Saturday at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro50

World Sports Betting Western Province Women v Fidelity Titans Women - WSB Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies v Garden Route Badgers Women - Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Sunday at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro20

World Sports Betting Western Province Women v Fidelity Titans Women - WSB Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies v Garden Route Badgers Women - Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Saturday, 1 November at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro50

North West Dragons Women v World Sports Betting Western Province Women - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Garden Route Badgers Women v DP World Lions Women - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

Sunday, 2 November at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro20

North West Dragons Women v World Sports Betting Western Province Women - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Garden Route Badgers Women v DP World Lions Women - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn