CSA T20 Challenge 2022 | Titans vs Dolphins | 1st Semi-final Preview, Predictions, Fantasy XI

After 28 league matches have been played in the CSA T20 Challenge 2022 we have reached the semi-finals stage of this entertaining tournament. The Titans take on the Dolphins in the first semi-final on February 25, 2022 at St.George's Park in the beautiful city of Port Elizabeth.

These two have faced off against each other on February 14, 2022, where the Titans dominated the match and won it comfortably by a margin of 7 wickets.

Titans have reached this level after being at the pole position in the points table. They won six matches out of seven played and had 24 points to their name. They have been in top form throughout this tournament and have barely put their foot wrong. After losing to Warriors by 8 runs in their first match they haven’t lost a single game since that. They are enjoying a 6-match unbeaten streak and will love to continue the same against the Dolphins in the semis.

Titans are hunting for their 7th title and are the best team overall in the tournament. They have been consistent with their team selection and will play the same team in the knock-out match as well. Klaasen, de Kock, de Bruyn, Shamsi and the under-19 sensation Brevis are their main bunch of performers. Especially Heinrich Klaasen who is in third place in the list of most six hitters with 9 to his name, he is also the 4th highest run-getter in the ongoing season with 226-runs.

On the other hand, Dolphins needed to win their last league game against Western province to reach the semi-finals. In this high-pressure game, they bombarded their opponents by a margin of 65-runs. Even though they didn’t have a consistent run in the league stages, they somehow managed to get the 3rd spot in the points table with that massive win in the last game. They have 17-points from 7-games with 4-wins and 3-losses. So they have to be on their mark to defeat the best team to reach the finals for the 6th time. 

Khaya Zondo is in some touch heading into this crucial match. Miller and Phehlukwayo have been enthralling with their finishing duties. Miller, Ntini and Smith might make a comeback after being given rest against the Western province in their previous game. Their bowling is just above par but they need to improve as this will be a do-or-die scenario for them. 

Will Titans extend their winning habitat to reach the finals or can Dolphins do well to beat the most successful team in the tournament history? Only time will tell.

Match Details

Titans vs Dolphins- First Semi-Final

Date and Time- February 25, 2022, 1:30 PM IST

Venue: St.George’s Park, Port Elizabeth

Broadcast: Star Sports Select 2, Star Sports Select 2 HD, Disney+Hotstar

Pitch Report

The St.George’s Park pitch is used for all the matches in the tournament and will not play differently in the semis as well. It will be a slow and turning track. Spinners will enjoy the track and will bowl the majority of the overs. The average score batting first is around the 140s. Toss-winning skipper will look to bowl first.

Squads

Titans

Theunis de Bruyn (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Dayyaan Galiem, Heinrich Klaasen, Sibonelo Makhanya, Donavon Ferreira, Ayabulela Gqamane, Dewald Brevis, Aaron Phangiso, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi, Junior Dala, Grant Mokoena, Corbin Bosch, Gihahn Cloete.

Dolphins

Prenelan Subrayen (c), Bryce Parsons, Grant Roelofsen (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Khaya Zondo, David Miller, Jason Smith, Eathan Bosch, Thando Ntini, Daryn Dupavillon, Ottniel Baartman, Kerwin Mungroo, Ruan de Swardt, Marques Ackerman, Odirile Modimokoane, Keegan Petersen.

Probable Playing XI

Titans

Quinton de Kock (wk), Dewald Brevis, Theunis de Bruyn (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Sibonelo Makhanya, Donavon Ferreira, Ayabulela Gqamane, Junior Dala, Aaron Phangiso, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Dolphins

Keegan Petersen, Grant Roelofsen (wk), Jason Smith, David Miller, Khaya Zondo, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bryce Parsons, Prenelan Subrayen (c), Thando Ntini, Ottniel Baartman, Ruan de Swardt. 

CE Fantasy XI

Dewald Brevis, Theunis de Bruyn, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Miller, Khaya Zondo, Andile Phehlukwayo, Aaron Phangiso, Lizaad Williams, Jason Smith

Captain- Quinton de Kock

Vice-Captain- Keegan Petersen