Maharaj to lead Hollywoodbets Dolphins in T20 Challenge

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have named No 1 ranked ICC ODI bowler Keshav Maharaj as their captain for the upcoming CSA T20 Challenge starting next week.

Renowned for his unparalleled leadership skills and legacy deeply embedded with the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Maharaj takes the reigns once again to steer the team through this exhilarating tournament.

With a stellar record leading Hollywoodbets Dolphins to last year’s CSA T20 Challenge, the Durban Super Giants to the recent SA20 final, and captaining the Proteas in both T20 and ODI cricket, Maharaj’s unwavering commitment to excellence embodies the spirit of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins.

His know-how and knowledge of the game will be crucial for the Dolphins as they look to go one better than their position of beaten finalists last season.

"To have a player like Keshav leading us is massive and the players understand his value as a leader," coach of the Dolphins Imraan Khan said.

"He's proven that he is one of the best spinners in white ball cricket and continues to produce performances regularly which is a big bonus for us.

"He will have a number of vastly experienced T20 players around him and we are looking forward to the competition starting next week."

RUNNERS-UP TWICE IN RECENT YEARS

The Dolphins have come very close to the T20 Challenge title in recent years with two finals in the last three seasons.

With the likes of Maharaj, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo and SA20 Bowler of the Tournament Ottniel Baartman in the squad, the Dolphins are lining up a formidable outfit.

"We have got some strong depth in our squad and ultimately that's what you always want.

"There are a lot of players who played regularly in the SA20, and also players that were around the various franchises picking up experience. Those guys will be eager to showcase what they learnt during the tournament.

"A T20 competition always excites the players and excites the fans so we are looking forward to making the most of the last competition of the season," Khan added.

The Dolphins have named an extended squad of 19 players which includes the likes of youngsters Andile Simelane, Brad Porteous and Bryce Parsons, sprinkled among the experienced heads of Prenelan Subrayen, SJ Erwee and Khaya Zondo.

A new addition to the Dolphins squad for the T20 Challenge is the young Tristan Luus. Luus played an important role in the SA Under 19 side's recent march to the Under 19 World Cup semifinal.

Luus' contribution with the ball in that competition was vital and he also added value with the bat.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins CSA T20 Challenge Squad: Keshav Maharaj (c), Grant Roelofsen, Bryce Parsons, Eathan Bosch, Khaya Zondo, Marques Ackerman, Jon-Jon Smuts, Brad Porteous, Jason Smith, Andile Phehlukwayo, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen, Ottniel Baartman, Okuhle Cele, Daryn Dupavillon, Tristan Luus, Odirile Modimokoane, Tshepang Dithole, SJ Erwee.