The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are looking to carry their positive momentum into the Super Eight phase of the YesPlay Pro20 Cup when they host Dafabet Boland at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday.
The Dolphins enjoyed a largely consistent round-robin campaign, despite suffering two defeats, and head coach Quinton Friend believes his side is in a good position as the competition enters a crucial new phase.
With the standard expected to rise and a place in the semifinals up for grabs, Friend has challenged his players to find another level as they look to make the most of two successive home fixtures to kick off their Super Eight campaign.
"I thought it was a very good round-robin phase for us. Obviously, we lost two games, but we played pretty consistent cricket throughout, which was great," Friend said. The attitude of the guys has been excellent and we're in a very good space heading into the Super Eight.
"The standard of cricket goes up now, and it's a phase where you've got to be as consistent as possible. We want to carry our winning momentum into Sunday and make sure we start this next stage well."
The Dolphins have a good understanding of the demands of the competition, having previously competed in a longer, double round-robin Division One format. However, Friend knows that there is little room for error in the Super Eight, with the leading sides all chasing a place in the knockout stages.
"We're going to need our guys to step up in the Super Eight phase. We have complete faith in the squad, but we need to turn it up a notch as a group. If every individual can find that extra two or three per cent in their own skill and performance, hopefully that will put us in a very good position."
Sunday's clash against Boland is the first of two important home fixtures for the Dolphins, with the YesPlay Cobras also visiting Kingsmead on Tuesday. Friend believes securing positive results in Durban could provide the perfect platform before the team heads to Pretoria for away fixtures against Eastern Storm and the Titans.
"The two games at home will be massive for us. If we can play well in our own conditions on Sunday and Tuesday and walk away with wins, I think we really set things up nicely for ourselves before going on the road," he said.
"It would be great to see the Durban faithful come out and support the boys. We know how important this start is and we're going to have to be right on top of our game."
The Dolphins are also keeping an eye on potential reinforcements as the Super Eight progresses, with the availability of players involved in the ongoing test series potentially strengthening their options.
South African test spinner Keshav Maharaj could be available from the opening fixture, while Marques Ackerman is another player who could bolster the squad later in the campaign.
"Keshav's leadership and experience would be massive for us. He's a fantastic player to have around the group and someone who brings a lot to the environment," Friend explained.
"Marques definitely won't be available for the first game because it's the day after the test match, but he could potentially come into contention for game two. There might be a couple of opportunities to bring players back into the squad, but we don't anticipate making major changes. It's important that we maintain the combinations and continuity that have worked for us."
With Boland and Western Province having also enjoyed strong group-stage campaigns, the Dolphins know they will need to be at their best from the outset.
For Friend and his team, the immediate focus is firmly on Sunday, with a strong start to the Super Eight potentially setting the tone for their push towards the semifinals.
The match at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium starts at 10:00am on Sunday with gates opening at 9am. Tickets are available at www.ticketpros.co.za