Johannesburg – It is the last chance saloon for both the Dolphins and the Cape Cobras when they square off in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge, at Kingsmead Stadium, on Thursday.
Languishing in fifth and sixth respectively on the standings, the coastal sides know it is a matter of sink or swim, after a trying start to their campaigns.
“It's been frustrating, because we haven't been able to put together all three disciplines of the game together at once,” Cobras skipper Justin Ontong lamented after their seven-run loss to the Titans on Tuesday.
“We probably let ourselves down in the field a bit, and when you get so close, you always look at where you could have possibly saved those few runs to change the outcome.”
Ontong admitted things were bleak, but insisted there was still a small window of opportunity of getting through to the playoffs.
“It's been a tough season for us, and we haven't produced our best form,” he said.
“We probably need our senior players to take a bit more responsibility, but there is still a mathematical chance. We will need a few favours from the other teams, though.”
The Dolphins – who were winless in their first five matches – had been hampered by poor starts.
However, it was remedied in spectacular fashion by a blitzkrieg from Cameron Delport, who lashed 103 not out against the Knights last Friday.
“Obviously things went my way that day, and every shot that I tried came off,” Delport said.
“It was great to get the hundred, and help the team get back to winning ways. It's been frustrating for us to be on the wrong side of results, but we will keep trying.”
Delport said he expected the Cape Cobras to set a few plans for him, but added that there were several other players who could fire in the Dolphins team.
“I am sure they (the Dolphins) will come with a few plans, but guys like Dave Miller and Ravi (Bopara) are also hitting the ball nicely,” he said.
“We will just take every game as it comes, and see where we end. There is a really good vibe going in the side, and hopefully we will kick on from the Knights' game.” – Sapa