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Cape Town - There is a top-of-the-table clash in the T20 Challenge to start the weekend as the Titans host the Warriors at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
It is a clash that pits together the best sides by a long way in the 2016 competition - both sides having lost just once each thus far.
The hosts, however, were beaten for the first time in seven outings on Wednesday when they went down to the Dolphins in Durban.
The loss came despite having amassed an impressive 170, but coach Mark Boucher was not too concerned.
“We can’t over-analyse what happened on Wednesday,” he said.
“But it’s not the end of the world, that’s the nature of the Twenty20 beast. We’re not down and out and we’ll be looking to bounce back tomorrow.”
Defeat for the defending champions came after four straight wins to start the competition, which was followed by a no result and another win.
But there are suggestions that the form is shifting towards the Warriors, who demolished the Knights by eight wickets on Wednesday for their third straight win.
“The Warriors are our focus now, they’re second and are on a winning streak,” Boucher explained. “But we haven’t played each other yet and we’ll look to beat them twice, starting with tomorrow and try and make sure we end on top of the log.”
Tabraiz Shamsi is available for the hosts after his Proteas debut in the final Test against Australia recently, while Dane Piedt could also feature.
The match is the only one of the weekend for the Titans, who have also played two more matches than the Warriors.
The mean from the Eastern Cape were in blistering form when they blew away the Knights for just 93 on Wednesday, securing their third bonus point win in the process.
“We’re quite pleased with the start, but we’re also well aware that we’re only halfway through our games,” Warriors boss Malibongwe Maketa added. “We need to make sure we build on this now. It will be a tough clash against a Titans team that everyone around the country has the highest respect for. But we’re confident and looking forward to the game.”
The match may come too soon for their South Africa star Kyle Abbott, although the fast bowler may feature when they play the Highveld Lions on Sunday.
HEAD TO HEAD – Titans v Warriors:
Matches Played - 20
Titans Win - 12
Warriors Win - 05
Tie - 01
No Result - 02
