As the 2024\/25 T20 Challenge concluded this past weekend, the focus shifts to red-ball cricket with the 4-Day Series commencing this week.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Hollywoodbets Dolphins will host the World Sports Betting Western Province at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban.<\/p>\n
Western Province, last season\u2019s 4-Day finalists, enter the series aiming to build on the momentum from their strong showing in the T20 Challenge, where they narrowly missed the final after a remarkable Eliminator victory.<\/p>\n
Salieg Nackerdien, Head Coach of Western Province, shared his thoughts before the opening match;<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re looking forward to a great four-day campaign, starting with the Dolphins in Durban. Some of our players currently with the national team will join us in the second game, but we\u2019re confident that those selected for this opener are prepared to perform well. With a quick turnaround from the T20 to this campaign, we\u2019ve ensured our preparations are solid.<\/p>\n
“This season promises to be a fantastic and educational one, especially for our younger players stepping into larger roles while some seniors are away. They\u2019ll have valuable opportunities to gain experience, and we\u2019re all focused on reaching another final this season, which is a key objective for us. With our squad\u2019s depth, we\u2019re confident we can achieve this, fostering growth for the players as they adapt to the demands of four-day cricket,” said Nackerdien.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Dolphins, who have had a good run in the previous two seasons with both competitions, falling short in the 2023\/24 T20 Challenge final and champions of the 4-Day Series 2022\/23 will look to forget their recent T20 Challenge campaign.<\/p>\n
Head Coach Quinton Friend commented on the team\u2019s readiness;<\/p>\n
“The shift to four-day cricket is all about mindset. We moved quickly past the T20 competition, and our focus now is fully on the upcoming series. We\u2019ve had a few extra preparation days compared to some of our opponents, which has been beneficial.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur success in this competition over recent years speaks to the strength of our approach and preparation, and we\u2019ve fine-tuned areas to ensure we start strong against Western Province on Wednesday,\u201d said Friend.<\/p>\n
The series will also feature more action from Thursday. Goldrush Boland will host the Knights in Paarl, while Auto Investments North West Dragons travel to Gqeberha to face the Dafabet Warriors at the Dafabet St George\u2019s Park.<\/p>\n
In Division 2, Eastern Cape Iinyathi will take on Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers in Buffalo Park, East London and Limpopo Impalas will host Eastern Storm in Polokwane.<\/p>\n
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UPCOMING 4-DAY MATCHES:<\/p>\n
DIVISION 1<\/p>\n
Wed 30 Oct – Sat 02 Nov: Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs World Sports Betting Western Province – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban<\/p>\n
Thu 31 Oct \u2013 Sun 03 Nov: Goldrush Boland vs Knights – Boland Park, Paarl<\/p>\n
Thu 31 Oct \u2013 Sun 03 Nov: Dafabet Warriors vs Auto Investments North West Dragons – Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha<\/p>\n
DIVISION 2<\/p>\n
Thu 31 Oct \u2013 Sun 03 Nov: Eastern Cape Iinyathi vs Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London<\/p>\n
Thu 31 Oct \u2013 Sun 03 Nov: Limpopo Impalas vs Eastern Storm – Polokwane Cricket Club, Polokwane<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"