The DP World Lions women's team will play a crucial match against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins at the DP World Wanderers on Saturday for the One-Day Cup.
Head coach Shaun Pretorius emphasises the importance of having a solid plan and executing it well in such situations.
To claim the title, the #PrideOfJozi must win the last round of fixtures with a bonus point. To secure their sixth victory of the campaign, the DP World Lions must beat the KwaZulu-Natalians. Net run rate will not be a factor. The Lions currently have five victories, one less than their opponents.
Pretorius said:
“We’ve got to win with a bonus point and according to CSA, they will not be looking at net run-rate to split us. So to do that, obviously all the right boxes are going to have to be ticked, but the important thing is to win all the small phases of the game. It’s all about making sure you win all those small moments you can celebrate, like if they score 30 in the powerplay then we want to score 35. We are in a really good space and the dynamics of the team are very good at the moment. It’s an unofficial final, we will embrace that and it’s going to come down to who executes best. We will still play according to our plans and then we have to execute those. It’s no good having great plans and then not backing them up with good field placements or good shots.”
The DP World Lions started the campaign strongly with three consecutive victories. A difficult November, during which many players were called up for representative sides, resulted in our Pride suffering three consecutive losses. Nevertheless, coach Pretorius maintained his belief in the team, and this support paid off in March with consecutive wins against the SWD Badgers and Western Province, reigniting our Pride's hopes of winning the title.
Although winning with a bonus point is challenging, the Pride has the advantage of playing at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. They hope to make the venue an intimidating arena for the visitors.
The Dolphins will bring a strong spin attack to Johannesburg. Therefore, it is important that the DP World Lions batting line-up does not become bogged down. Strike rotation will be key.
DP World Lions ladies team:
Relebohile Mkhize, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Sarah Nettleton, Kirstie Thomson, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Thabethe, Kgomotso Rapoo, Sunette Viljoen-Louw, Sinalo Jafta, Diara Ramlakan, Lehlohonolo Meso, Samantha Schutte, Sarah Barber, Tumi Sekhukhune, Madison Landsman, Chloe Tryon, Robyn Kamerman, Thristan Cronje, Jameelah Shaikjee, Razeena Manack, Karabo Meso, Jenna Evans, Refilwe Moncho and Palesa Mapoo