Dolphins to host first edition of exciting T10 competition

With the new season coming clearly into view the Hollywoodbets Dolphins will face some of the biggest historic brands in South African cricket at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in the exciting Metro T10 Cup from 12-14 September.

The tournament is a collaborative effort between the Dolphins, who will host the first edition, the DP World Lions, the Momentum Multiply Titans and WSB Western Province in this landmark competition over three days.

The action begins on 12 September when the Lions face Western Province before the Dolphins and the Titans do battle later in the day.

Saturday is a jam-packed day of action with four matches on the cards as all four sides play two matches in order to determine who will fight it out in the final on Sunday.

There will be a third place play-off match on Sunday morning before the final on Sunday afternoon.

"We are really excited to host the first edition of the Metro T20 Cup this year," CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom said. "To be able to welcome the best teams in the country to Durban for the competition is the perfect way for our players to prepare for the new season.

"The four unions came together to create this pre-season tournament that will travel to the different venues every year which will hopefully increase its popularity over the years.

"It's always exciting having something new and we are hoping that the fans come through to enjoy some fast-paced, action-packed cricket."

Some of the country's brightest stars will be playing for the four unions over the weekend and having some of the best cricketers in the country is another draw card for fans to enjoy.

Dolphins head coach Quinton Friend is currently with the South Africa A side for their upcoming series with New Zealand so the coaching responsibilities will fall to assistant coach Henry Davids.

Despite not being there, Friend believes the tournament is a good way to prepare for the new season.

"The Metro T10 Cup is going to be a good way to get the season going," Friend said. "T10 isn't a format that gets played a lot but it's a nice opportunity for guys to express themselves and play with a bit of freedom.

"We are obviously preparing for the 4-Day competition, but we've set a few days aside to prepare for the T10.

"The guys are really looking forward to it and it's going to provide an opportunity for younger players to show us what they are capable of."

Spectators can take advantage of the Early Bird special and buy a daily ticket for R50 or buy a weekend pass for R100.

Tickets for the tournament can be purchased on ticketpros.co.za

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad for Metro T10 Cup:

Andile Simelane, Aryan Gopalan, Blake Simpson, Bryce Parsons (c), Gomolemo Phiri (WK), Hanu Viljoen (WK), Jon Jon Smuts, Khaya Zondo, Lifa Ntanzi, Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman, Prenelan Subrayen, Romashan Pillay, Semal Pillay, Slade Van Staden.