After an unprecedented start to the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies have had time to reflect on their dominant start to the 2024-25 season.
Of the 12 matches that they have played so far this season, six in the Hollywoodbets Pro20 and six in the Pro50, they have lost just one match. That loss came in their final T20 against the DP World Lions.
Their unblemished record in the Pro50 competition is a follow on from their title-winning efforts last season in the 50-over tournament. This season they have carried that form with several impressive displays.
For head coach Angelique Taai their performances have been better than she was expecting.
"We put in the hard work in the off-season, as well as pre-season to ensure we reap the rewards and peak at the right time," Taai said. "I always believed in each player’s ability to showcase what they can do not only as a cricketer but as a human being on and off the field.
"Team first, everything else after that. I knew we would do well, but this team really exceeded all my expectations with the amazing start to the season."
Given their impressive form they will head into the new year as the team to beat. Taai understands that there is added pressure on her squad, however she feels that they have put in the groundwork to deal with this.
"The focus for the team is to continue maintaining a positive mindset and fostering a culture of resilience and teamwork.
"The message is to embrace the challenges that come with competitive cricket while staying committed to our goals.
"While winning is important, the emphasis should be on executing our plans and processes effectively. If we concentrate on doing the right things, the results will follow."
STRONG MINDSET AND MUTUAL SUPPORT
Taking the focus away from results and using other avenues of emphasis is something that Taai has used to keep her squad engaged.
"It's important to cultivate a strong mindset and support each other, especially during tough times. I will continue to remind the team to enjoy playing the game, this often leads to better performance."
With four rounds left in both competitions the Dolphins will be eying the top of the table across both competitions. Consistency has been key to getting them into this position and for Taai that has been a stand-out factor so far.
Consistency along with other off-the-field factors have been crucial to their run of success.
"Our overall consistency in performance, not only from an individual perspective but the uniformity of the whole squad, collectively, has been remarkable. Our belief is trusting in our processes, living our values, our Ubuntu approach and proper teamwork has been extraordinary.
"Our batters have really come to the party more consistently this season, and our bowlers continued where they left of last season, this enabled us to perform collectively as a unit.
"We strive to be the best fielding team in the country as well as being No 1 overall in our fitness. This has been our twelfth man throughout the season thus far," Taai emphasised.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will face Free State in the next round of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series over the weekend of 22-23 February.