CSA T20 Challenge 2025: Warriors vs Dolphins – Qualifier 2 Preview

Date: Friday, 28th November 2025
Venue: St George's Park, Gqeberha
Time: 04:00 PM GMT | 09:30 PM IST | 06:00 PM Local

Match Overview

The CSA T20 Challenge 2025 reaches a crucial stage as the Warriors and Dolphins clash in Qualifier 2 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. This high-stakes encounter will determine one of the final spots in the tournament. The Warriors, led by the ever-reliable Matthew de Villiers, will be aiming to bounce back after a narrow loss to Boland in Qualifier 1. The Dolphins, on the other hand, are in fine form, having won their last three matches, including a dominant win over Western Province in the Eliminator.

With the toss expected to be a pivotal moment, both teams will be vying for control early in the game. The pitch at St George’s Park has historically favored batting, with an average first-innings score of 160 over the past few years. The Warriors will be eager to capitalize on this, while the Dolphins will look to exploit the conditions with their aggressive bowling attack.

Key Players to Watch

Warriors

• Matthew de Villiers (Captain): The star batter and team leader, who has been in sensational form all season. With 394 runs at an average of 78.8, he is the most dangerous player in the line-up. His five fifties in seven games make him a key figure for the Warriors.
• Kerwin Mungroo: The leading wicket-taker for the Warriors with nine wickets at 18.00. His ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments makes him a match-decider.
• JP King: A prolific run-scorer with 203 runs at 50.75. His ability to accelerate the innings could be vital.
• Thomas Kaber: The left-arm wrist spinner has been a revelation this season, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

Dolphins

• Jason Smith: The allrounder has been in scintillating form, scoring a 41-ball 58 in the Eliminator and averaging 30.40 in the tournament. He is the second-highest run-scorer for the Dolphins.
• Eathan Bosch: The star pacer has taken 13 wickets at an economy of just 5.00 in the tournament. His 4/21 against Western Province was a standout performance.
• Anrich Nortje: A fast bowler with pace and accuracy, Nortje has taken 11 wickets at an average of 21.18. His ability to strike in the death overs could decide the match.
• Gomolemo Phiri: The Dolphins’ leading run-scorer with 152 at 30.40.

Team Form

Warriors

• Recent Performance: The Warriors lost their Qualifier 1 match to Boland by five runs, a setback that could be a wake-up call.
• Batting: Matthew de Villiers, JP King, and Muhammad Manack have been in good form, with the latter scoring 54, 52, and 26 in his last four matches.
• Bowling: Kerwin Mungroo and Aphiwe Mnyanda have been the standout performers, both with nine wickets at an average of 18.00 and 20.00 respectively.

Dolphins

• Recent Performance: The Dolphins have won their last three matches, including a 15-run win over Western Province in the Eliminator.
• Batting: Jason Smith and Tshepang Dithole have been reliable, with Smith scoring 68*, 23, and 58 in his last three innings.
• Bowling: Eathan Bosch and Anrich Nortje have been the key bowlers, with Bosch taking 13 wickets at 14.46 and Nortje with 11 at 21.18.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Warriors: 2 wins
• Dolphins: 3 wins

The Dolphins have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning the last three matches against the Warriors. However, the Warriors’ top-order strength and Mungroo’s wicket-taking ability could tip the balance in their favor.

Venue Insights – St George's Park, Gqeberha

• Average First Innings Score (2022–2025): 159.9
• Batting Conditions: Slightly in favor of batters, with a good carry and predictable bounce.
• Spin vs. Pace: Spinners have an average of 24.32 and an economy of 6.63, while pacers average 25.10 with an economy of 8.22.
• Wicket Distribution:
  • Powerplay (1–6): 2.08 wickets
  • Middle Overs (7–15): 2.88 wickets
  • Death Overs (16–20): 1.89 wickets

The pitch is likely to offer a good contest between bat and ball, but the Warriors’ batting depth could give them an edge.

Squads

Warriors

• Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann, Matthew de Villiers (c), JP King, Muhammad Manack, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jean du Plessis, Modiri Litheko, Patrick Kruger, Duanne Olivier, Gideon Peters, Ntando Soni, Kerwin Mungroo, Wesley Bedja, Matthew Boast, Tristan Stubbs, Senuran Muthusamy, Jordan Morris, Ethan Frosler, Thomas Kaber, Jason Raubenheimer, Kyle Glennistor, Wezo Gqiba, Aphiwe Mnyanda, CJ King.

Dolphins

• Tristan Luus, 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.

Pre-Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Warriors
• Match Winner: Warriors
• Top Batter: Matthew de Villiers (Warriors)
• Top Bowler: Kerwin Mungroo (Warriors), Eathan Bosch (Dolphins)
• Most Sixes: JP King (Warriors), Jason Smith (Dolphins)
• Player of the Match: Matthew de Villiers (Warriors)
• Team Scores Batting First: Warriors 160+ | Dolphins 160+

Final Thoughts

This is a must-win game for both teams, with the Warriors needing to regroup after their recent loss and the Dolphins aiming to continue their winning momentum. While the Dolphins have the recent edge in head-to-head, the Warriors’ experience and firepower could prove decisive. The toss will be crucial, and whoever wins it will look to set a challenging total on a batting-friendly track.

Don’t miss this high-stakes clash in Gqeberha! Tune in live to witness the battle between two of South Africa’s strongest T20 teams in the race for the final.
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