‘Dolphins can beat the drought’
IN-FORM Dolphins allrounder Keshav Maharaj believes his team has the mettle to end a 12-year drought in the SuperSport Series competition and lift the title.
With two games remaining in this four-day competition, the Dolphins now head the standings with 78.65 points.
In second position are the Titans with 70.76 points, but they have played a game less than the KZN franchise team.
Any of the six teams in this competition have a shot at lifting the title. Even the Cobras, sitting at the foot of the table with 52.14 points and with three games to play, would count themselves as contenders.
Maharaj said while he and his teammates did not want to get ahead of themselves and make bold predictions, there was great “desire and determination” in their dressing room.
“The SuperSport Series is the one trophy in domestic cricket that every player wants to win.
“This is a sought after prize because it is a proper test of a player’s character and skill,” said Maharaj.
He said the Dolphins were playing consistently well and the team was progressing nicely in the competition. They were hoping their fortunes would get a favourable bounce in their remaining games.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins were unable to forge further ahead in the standings after their fixture against the Lions petered out into a draw at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on Sunday.
Maharaj, who in recent months emerged the Proteas premier spinner with impressive performances in the Australian Test series, and against the touring Sri Lankans, is in good form.
Against the Lions, his off-spinners landed seven wickets and elevated him to the status of second-highest wicket taker in the competition.
Of the wickets Maharaj claimed, he was able to bag the scalp of his Proteas teammate, opener Stephen Cook, in both innings.
Khaya Zondo’s century and 50 with the bat together with Maharaj’s efforts with the ball were largely responsible for the Lions being set a victory target of 262 runs, off 50 overs, on day four.
After losing Cook, the Lions bottled their hopes of victory.
“The wicket was a batsman’s paradise and it offered little assistance to the bowlers,” was Maharaj’s assessment of conditions, which ultimately scuppered his teams chances of victory.
He was pleased with his efforts with the ball and acknowledged the contributions of his teammates, especially the seam bowlers for creating pressure with their bowling that gave nothing away.
Maharaj, who is counted among the “wise heads” in the Dolphins set-up, said he was happy to shoulder the added responsibility of being the “senior” pro in the side.
“I welcome the extra responsibility of helping some of the younger guys in the team. We have a nice blend of youth and experience in our side, and a few of us have come through the ranks having played age group cricket together.”
He said his time with the Proteas had done much to improve his own game.
“Working with Proteas bowling coach Claude Henderson has been great for me. He simplified my game and helped me to land my deliveries in the right areas more consistently.
“Former Proteas spinner Paul Harris also taught me a lot. My time with the Proteas boosted my confidence and improved my mental approach to the game,” said Maharaj.
The Dolphins are not in SuperSport Series action this weekend, but will face the Multiply Titans from February 2 at the Pietermaritzburg Oval
Their season ends at Sahara Kingsmead in a clash with the Cobras, which will start on February 9.