The Hollywoodbets Dolphins take on the Momentum Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park in their final 4-Day Series match of the year hoping to potentially finish 2025 on the top of the red-ball log.
The Dolphins are currently in second place behind the North West Dragons with two wins and two draws from their four matches in the competition. The Dolphins have collected the most batting points in the tournament so far, which is encouraging for the team heading to Centurion this week.
Given their current log position the Dolphins will be eager to get going this week and coach Quinton Friend has seen a mindset and work ethic from the team that is encouraging.
"It's the purest form of the game and it rewards you for doing the right thing for long periods and the guys enjoy that and enjoy the format," Friend said.
"We've had four good days of preparation, and the guys are super excited to get this last 4-day game for the year going and hopefully we can finish the year on a high."
Friend's side take on a Titans team that is currently bottom of the 4-Day log, however the coach knows that they will have a strong squad for this week's clash.
"We know that the Titans are a good side and I'm sure they will get some Proteas back this week.
"Guys like Lu-handre Pretorius, Rivaldo Moonsamy and Simon Harmer will be back, I'm sure. Those are quality players so it's important that we do the right things in the four day and take ownership of our roles.
"We're excited that we've got Okuhle Cele back in our side after a hamstring niggle he picked up on SA A duty, so the team are raring to go this week.
"It's going to be a very similar squad to the one that played our last 4-day game, so we are happy to have that continuity."
The Dolphins have had the edge over the Titans in the 4-Day Series in recent seasons and are unbeaten in their previous five meetings in the 4-Day Series. The Dolphins have won two and drawn three of their previous five meetings.
One of those wins was the 4-Day Series final while they beat the Titans by seven wickets in the 2022/2023 season.
The Dolphins have relied on runs from opening batter Tshepang Dithole this season. The left-hander is currently the third highest run scorer in the tournament with 436 runs with two centuries and two half centuries from his eight innings so far.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad
Bryce Parsons, Khaya Zondo, Jason Smith, Semal Pillay, Slade van Staden, Romashan Pillay, Tristan Luus, Andile Simelane, Marques Ackerman (c), Okuhle Cele, Eathan Bosch, Nqobani Mokoena, Hanu Viljoen, Tshepang Dithole.