CSA T20 Challenge 2025: Dolphins vs Western Province – Match Preview (26th November)

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, 26th November 2025
• Venue: Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa
• Match Format: T20 Eliminator
• Start Time:
  • 11:00 AM GMT
  • 04:30 PM IST
  • 01:00 PM Local (South Africa Time)

Match Context

The Dolphins and Western Province meet in a high-stakes eliminator of the CSA T20 Challenge 2025 at Kingsmead, Durban. Both sides have secured their places in the playoffs, but only one will emerge victorious and continue their campaign. The Dolphins, backed by their strong pace attack and home advantage, are slight favorites, while Western Province come into the match with a mix of confidence and experience.

Team Form

Dolphins

The Dolphins have been in solid form, with a balanced performance in the tournament. Their pace attack—led by Anrich Nortje and Eathan Bosch—has been a key strength, picking up crucial wickets and maintaining tight lines. However, the batting has shown some inconsistencies, with Jason Smith and Gomolemo Phiri stepping up in key moments.

Their recent back-to-back wins, including a narrow victory over the Lions, have given them a psychological edge. The team is currently in good rhythm and looking to capitalize on the home advantage.

Western Province

Western Province have had a mixed campaign, finishing fourth in the group stage with four wins and three losses. Their batting has been led by the consistent Daniel Smith, who has been among the top run-scorers in the competition. George Linde has been a revelation with the ball, offering tight bowling and handy runs with the bat.

Despite losing their last group match at home to the Lions, the Western Province side has shown resilience and depth. If their top order can capitalize on good starts, they could pose a serious challenge to the Dolphins.

Key Players to Watch

Dolphins

• Anrich Nortje: The Dolphins' leading wicket-taker with 9 wickets at an average of 23.66.
• Eathan Bosch: A consistent performer with the ball, averaging 18.55.
• Gomolemo Phiri: Top run-scorer for the Dolphins with 151 runs in five games.
• Jason Smith: A reliable middle-order option who has shown promise in recent outings.

Western Province

• Daniel Smith: The backbone of the batting lineup with 228 runs at an average of 45.6.
• Josh Breed: Leading wicket-taker for Western Province with 10 wickets at an average of 18.5.
• George Linde: A match-winner with a bowling economy of 5.08 and handy lower-order runs.
• Mthiwekhaya Nabe: Provides valuable breakthroughs with his medium-pace bowling.

Head-to-Head

The Dolphins have the upper hand in the recent meetings, having won 3 out of the last 5 encounters against Western Province. The last time they met in the group stage, Western Province secured a win, but the Dolphins are now looking to regain the momentum.

Venue & Pitch Insights

• Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
• Pitch Condition: The pitch is expected to offer a fast and bouncy surface, with the first innings scoring average dropping to 152.5 in the 2025 season.
• Winning Trends: Teams batting first have a 54.8% win rate, while chasing teams win 45.2% of matches.
• Bowling Insights:
  • Spin bowlers have a slight edge with an economy of 7.26.
  • Fast bowlers average 8.72 economy.

The surface is likely to assist pacers in the initial overs, but spinners could come into play as the match progresses.

Team Squads

Dolphins

Tristan Luus (C), Khaya Zondo, Okhule Cele, Andile Simelane, Tshepang Dithole, Ottniel Baartman, Jason Smith, Bryce Parsons, JonJon Smuts, Slade van Staden, Marques Ackerman, Eathan Bosch, Hanu Viljoen, Romashan Pillay, Ngobani Mokoena.

Western Province

Beuran Hendricks, Dane Paterson, Daniel Smith, Eddie Moore, George Linde, Jiveshan Pillay, Jono Bird, Joshua van Heerden, Juan James, Kyle Simmonds, Mihlali Mpongwana, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Oliver Whitehead, Tshepo Moreki, Valentine Kitime, Raeeq Daniels, Bongile Mfunelwa, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi.

Match Predictions (PrePlay)

• Toss Winner: Dolphins
• Match Winner: Dolphins
• Top Batter:
  • Leus du Plooy (Dolphins)
  • Daniel Smith (Western Province)
• Top Bowler:
  • Anrich Nortje (Dolphins)
  • Josh Breed (Western Province)
• Player of the Match: Gomolemo Phiri (Dolphins)
• Predicted Scores:
  • Dolphins: 150+
  • Western Province: 130+
• Most Sixes:
  • Leus du Plooy (Dolphins)
  • Daniel Smith (Western Province)

Final Verdict

The Dolphins hold the advantage in form, home support, and recent head-to-head record. However, Western Province have the firepower and depth to challenge any opponent. With the pitch at Kingsmead offering a blend of pace and bounce, the match is likely to be a close contest. If the Dolphins can capitalize on their strong bowling and batting depth, they are well-positioned to advance. But the Western Province, with their resilient batting and tight bowling, will provide a stern challenge.

Cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter in what promises to be a high-stakes eliminator.
“`