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Dolphins, Warriors set for top-of-table showdown

Cape Town - Dolphins assistant coach Imraan Khan is relishing their return to Kingsmead for round four of the One-Day Cup against the Warriors on Tuesday.

The match is a repeat of the 2017/18 final with both teams also the form sides in the competition so far in 2018/19.

The hosts have won all three matches to date, putting them top of the table, while the visitors have been victorious in two out of three matches, one game being a wash-out.

"It's been a good start, the guys have played some nice cricket and I think everybody's contributed in the three games we've played," Khan said. "In that respect we couldn't have asked for much more and hopefully that continues tomorrow."

The two sides had to settle for sharing the trophy last season after the final and the reserve day were both washed out at the same venue, meaning they are joint defending champions.

"The Warriors are a really good team, and are also playing some fantastic cricket at the moment in this competition," Khan explained. "They're obviously joint champions with us and are not too far behind us on the table.

"They were good in the four-day season and seemed to have carried that momentum through to the 50-over campaign. It's going to be a good game."  

It is also the first match at their regular home for the Dolphins this season after their opening game was played at the City Oval in Pietermaritzburg.

Khan says they want to go out and give their fans good value. "We're looking forward to playing at home," the coach adds. "It's been a long while since we last played at Kingsmead. We're looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Warriors assistant Mfuneko Ngam is satisfied with their progress, but expects a tough battle against the home side.

"So far so good for us," he said. "I think the guys have done well. But if you look at the Dolphins they've done even better. They're playing really well and have a good team with their internationals firing for them. For this match, it will boil down to whoever does the basics better on the day."

The visiting coach believes his side will need to play as a unit in order to emerge victors. "Warriors cricket is all about togetherness and working as a unit," he concluded. "It will be the same in Durban. We'll have to work hard and work as a pack to come away with a result."

Proteas from both sides will play their final matches before heading off for national duty against Sri Lanka.

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