Publications
Partners
Pretoria - The Titans go into Wednesday’s RAM SLAM T20 clash with the Dolphins at SuperSport Park needing a win to remain in control of their play-off destiny, but coach Rob Walter feels the pressure will only benefit them.
The Titans currently sit fourth with two games to play, and defeat on Wednesday would hand the initiative back to the second-placed Warriors ahead of the final round of games on Sunday.
However, as much as Walter would prefer to have seen his side pick up early points to put them on the front foot in the competition rather than wait for a last-minute charge for the line, their propensity for winning under pressure gives him belief that they will come good.
“We’re excited because it’s a big game for us, and generally we’ve played better when we’re in must-win situations,” he said.
“We know if we win both games then we’re through so that’s the main thing. I also said to the team that I feel we’ve played our best cricket in the last three games so that’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction.”
The Dolphins have more leeway in that they can afford to lose one of their three fixtures this week and still make the play-off, but at the same time they should be targeting the three victories which would allow them to challenge the Cape Cobras for top spot and an automatic place in both the RAM SLAM final and the Champions League Twenty20.
“These are three big games for us, and I guess our destiny is in our own hands, which is nice,” said coach Lance Klusener.
“All in all we’re reasonably handily placed but I guess it will all come down to how we finish.”
One player who Klusener is hoping will continue his upward trend is Cameron Delport, who has scored 139 runs in the three games since captain Morne van Wyk called on the top order to produce some big scores.
“Cameron has always had that potential but it’s important for him to start showing that now,” said Klusener.
“You can’t just get by on potential.
“He’s probably one of the most exciting young batters in the whole competition so it’s nice to have him. His time for growing is coming to an end and it’s time to start putting performances on the table, and I think he’s realising that.”
Neither side is expected to make changes for Wednesday’s game, which gets underway at 18:00.
The Titans currently sit fourth with two games to play, and defeat on Wednesday would hand the initiative back to the second-placed Warriors ahead of the final round of games on Sunday.
However, as much as Walter would prefer to have seen his side pick up early points to put them on the front foot in the competition rather than wait for a last-minute charge for the line, their propensity for winning under pressure gives him belief that they will come good.
“We’re excited because it’s a big game for us, and generally we’ve played better when we’re in must-win situations,” he said.
“We know if we win both games then we’re through so that’s the main thing. I also said to the team that I feel we’ve played our best cricket in the last three games so that’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction.”
The Dolphins have more leeway in that they can afford to lose one of their three fixtures this week and still make the play-off, but at the same time they should be targeting the three victories which would allow them to challenge the Cape Cobras for top spot and an automatic place in both the RAM SLAM final and the Champions League Twenty20.
“These are three big games for us, and I guess our destiny is in our own hands, which is nice,” said coach Lance Klusener.
“All in all we’re reasonably handily placed but I guess it will all come down to how we finish.”
One player who Klusener is hoping will continue his upward trend is Cameron Delport, who has scored 139 runs in the three games since captain Morne van Wyk called on the top order to produce some big scores.
“Cameron has always had that potential but it’s important for him to start showing that now,” said Klusener.
“You can’t just get by on potential.
“He’s probably one of the most exciting young batters in the whole competition so it’s nice to have him. His time for growing is coming to an end and it’s time to start putting performances on the table, and I think he’s realising that.”
Neither side is expected to make changes for Wednesday’s game, which gets underway at 18:00.
