‘Second choices’ to contest final

DOLPHINS IN ANOTHER SHOWPIECE

The Dolphins and Warriors will both be determined to make the most of reaching the One-Day Cup final by winning the title at Kingsmead today. Both were second favourites to reach the competition decider – they had to face tough semifinals away against the two teams who were the top two on the table – but now find themselves with a rare chance of silverware.

The Dolphins upset the Cape Cobras in Cape Town on Wednesday, while the Warriors stunned defending champions the Titans in Centurion 24 hours earlier.

“We’re more relieved than pleased to have got through,” said home coach Grant Morgan, whose side defended a below-par 230 at Newlands by dismissing the Cobras for 181.

The visitors, meanwhile, dismissed the Titans for 230 on Tuesday and then won emphatically by eight wickets and with over 15 overs to spare.

“That performance really showed our potential and we were really happy with it,” their coach Rivash Gobind explained. “But it’s now in the past and we need to refocus before starting again.”

The hosts have not won the 50-over competition in the franchise era, with the last time they claimed the prize in a South African season coming way back in 2001/02. However, they did secure the domestic T20 title back in 2013/14.

They are in their second final this season after also reaching the 20-over showpiece where they were embarrassed by the Titans in a one-sided final.

The visitors are bidding to win their first major trophy since 2009/10 when they claimed both limited-overs trophies. They were runners-up in both white-ball finals last season.

Play starts at 1.30pm.