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Cape Town - The Knights started the T20 Challenge with a bang in the first one-and-a-half games, but the next one-and-a-half have not gone according to plan and coach Nicky Boje is looking to rectify things against the Dolphins in Bloemfontein on Friday.
The Central franchise thumped the Cape Cobras in their opening match and then saw their star man David Miller take the Titans bowlers apart in compiling a first century of the season in the second game.
But their bowlers failed to back up the heroics of the Proteas batsman as they went on to lose that game and the subsequent one against the Warriors on Sunday.
Miller was injured for the third match, but could return at the Mangaung Oval on Friday in a match that has been moved to an earlier start due to vandalism at the venue.
“We’ve prepared well for the game,” Boje said. “We had a good start to the competition and we played well in the first two games. We weren’t good enough in the third game, but we’ll be looking to bounce back in the next one.”
The Dolphins have also won one so far, although they have played an extra game, one that was washed out against the Cobras on Wednesday.
But Boje, whose side also play the log-leading Titans on Sunday, is expecting a stiff challenge from the Durbanites.
“Most of the teams, they all have quality players in their ranks and the Dolphins are no different,” he added. “They have many match winners, but the important thing is that we need to focus on executing our own disciplines and the rest will take care of itself.”
Apart from Miller, who is in the squad but faces a late fitness test, Theunis de Bruyn is also back in contention.
The Dolphins, who also play the Highveld Lions on Sunday, have a lengthy injury list to contend with, but coach Grant Morgan remains positive about their prospects.
“We’re being stretched to the limit at the moment with all these injuries,” he said. “There’s no one left. We have about seven injured and add that to the seven we lost last year, so it’s been a tricky period. But we’re embracing the challenge and we’re enjoying it, so whatever happens, we’re up for it. We want to perform.”
Morgan also believes that the “Knights are what we consider one of the two best sides in the competition along with the Titans”.
HEAD TO HEAD - Knights v Dolphins
Matches Played 19
Knights Win 10
Dolphins Win 08
No Result 01
