Dolphins keen to do things the right way
DURBAN: “If it does rain, we won’t complain,” Khaya Zondo smirked.
“The rain has been against us for a long time, so it could be on our side for a change.”
Never has the weather been more feverishly discussed as it has over the past two weeks. Any conversation involving the Dolphins is almost obliged to include concerns about what may fall from the sky.
“But, seriously, we want to play. We are all excited to be involved at the business end of the competition,” the Dolphins skipper said soberly.
They may joke and laugh at the incredibly real prospect of yet another washout in tomorrow’s second T20 Challenge semi-final against the Cape Cobras, but the Dolphins are keen to do things the right way. There have been mumblings in some circles about the incredible luck that the Dolphins have enjoyed, but Zondo insists that it hasn’t been their fault. And, let’s be clear, the Dolphins don’t control the weather. It’s been their rotten luck that they have hardly played at home. They’ve sat and dutifully signed autographs and taking photos with fans who had nothing else to do.
Yet, five washouts have meant 10 points have come their way, but the Dolphins captain and his predecessor, Morne van Wyk, pointed out that they have been competitive every time they have took to the field.
“Look, when we have played, we have won three crucial matches, especially in the last week,” Zondo reasoned.
Indeed, the final games of the Dolphins’ round-robin phase, away to the Knights, and at home to the Titans on Sunday, had to be won to ensure passage to the last four. The huge margin of victory against the Titans was a bonus, and it has handed the Dolphins a home semi, and a decisive advantage if the forecast for rain holds true.
“Look, that Titans team was still a very good team. There are quality players in there, but they probably tried a bit too hard on the day. T20 cricket is a format which can get away from you quickly,” Van Wyk said of the lopsided result which got tongues wagging – especially in Cape Town.
Should there be no play tomorrow, that solitary point that sits the Durbanites above the Capetonians in the final analysis will be enough to see them through to Saturday’s final. It’s an almost unpalatable thought for the Cobras, but that is the price they are paying for a slow start to the competition, and then a sloppy end in East London. The Dolphins had the better of the Cobras in their opening fixture of the tournament, and they feel that they have hit their straps in time for the knockout clash.
“We have a few senior players coming into form at the right time, and you need that experience at this stage of the competition,” Van Wyk said.
Of course, the grizzled veteran is amongst those who have turned a corner in the past fortnight, but he typically passed on credit to another in the ranks.
“I think Dane Vilas has been a fantastic signing for us. He plays with great intensity, and it has been fantastic having a guy who can come in and clear the ropes like he has done,” he said. “He is probably the best runner I have ever played with, and that is a great asset to have. We have a good understanding, and it definitely adds a crucial 5-7 runs in every game.”
It is those little things that the Dolphins are trying to put together, as they aim to play their best cricket at the most crucial junction of the short format competition.