Sunfoil Dolphins change one for weekend’s MODC action

The Sunfoil Dolphins have made just one change to their 15-man squad that did battle in last week’s trio of Momentum One Day Cup matches ahead of this weekend’s important double-header against the bizhub Highveld Lions and the Nashua Cape Cobras on Friday and Sunday respectively.

Tshepo Moreki
Tshepo Moreki

Injury to Sibonelo Makhanya sees him replaced by in-form Suncoast Dolphins Academy and KZN Provincial right-arm seamer Tshepo Moreki.

Makhanya made a notable impact in his Dolphins debut against the Lions at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead last Wednesday when he picked up the wicket of Temba Bavuma and was miserly up until his eighth and final over.

A reported shoulder injury to the South African U19 captain and Andile Phehlukwayo’s continued unavailability due to matric exams has however opened the door for Moreki.

The men from Durban migrate inland on Thursday ahead of Friday’s clash at Senwes Park and will be eager to get back to winning ways after their loss to the Chevrolet Warriors at the Pietermaritzburg Oval last Sunday.

The bowling unit in particular will be looking forward to the opportunity the game presents as they look to right the wrongs of their first encounter with the Lions eight days ago which saw the evergreen Neil McKenzie and destructive Jean Symes put on a 188-run fourth wicket partnership together, 121 of those coming from the final 10 overs.

The Dolphins’ then return to their Durban headquarters on Sunday for their clash against the Cape outfit, with the encounter set to bring down the curtain on the first round of the Momentum One Day Cup before its action-packed shorter-format sibling, the RAM Slam T20 gets underway at Bidvest Wanderers on Sunday 2 November with the competition’s first of two triple-headers.

While last year’s T20 winners will be keenly eyeing a strong start to their title defense campaign, a job in the 50-over format is to be done first and their full focus is currently on clinching the points from Friday’s showdown with the Lions.

Sunfoil Dolphins squad:
Morne Van Wyk (captain), Cameron Delport, Cody Chetty, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Khaya Zondo, Daryn Smit, Robbie Frylinck, Prenelan Subrayen, Keshav Maharaj, Craig Alexander, Daryn Dupavilon, Tshepo Moreki, Thandi Tshabalala, Kyle Nipper, Rabian Engelbrecht