Nashua Dolphins in Twenty 20 Champions League

In the upcoming Twenty 20 Champions League starting from 3 December, 2008 in the Indian cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore, Nashua Dolphins will be a formidable force and their talented bowling attack and outstanding fielding may earn them the title of the Champions.

Nashua Dolphins is the domestic South African team that represents the KwaZulu Natal Cricket Team. They take part in the ongoing Super sports domestic competitions. Their performances in the MTN Domestic Championship and Standard Bank Pro20 have been remarkable. They are based in the Sahara Park Knigsmead, Durban which has a rich history of cricket.

The first ever test match was staged in Kingsmead was in 1923. In the decade of 1980s extensive renovation was done and brand new stands were constructed on the Umgeni End and Old Fort Road End. But the old main Grandstand still reminds of the glorious test matches played in the past. The stadium currently has a capacity for 25000 fans. As the pitch is laid slightly below sea level, due to rise in water tide in evenings bowlers find a lot of swing to trouble the batsmen.

Their skipper is Ahmed Amla, brother of South African International Hashim Amla, who is a middle order batsman and also contributes with his leg spinners. Other prominent batsmen include veteran HD Ackerman, Hashim Amla and Imran Khan. The real strength of Dolphins lies in their bowling attack with Johan Louw and Yusuf Abdullah being the new ball spearheads. Johan Louw was especially successful in the recent domestic season and is all set to join the Proteas. Abdullah is a quick left-arm fast bowler who surprises batsmen with quick and accurate yorkers and bouncers. Right Arm medium pacer Alfonso Thomas is also an economical bowler and gives little freedom to the batsmen.

Venue:
Kingsmead, Durban.

Captain:
Ahmed Amla

Coach:
Y Ebrahim

Batsmen:

Hashim Amla

HD Ackerman

Rivash Gobind

Imran Khaan

All Rounders:

Pierre De Bruyn

Jon Kent

Morne Van Vuuren

Wicket-Keepers:

Bradley Barnes

Daren Smith

Bowlers:

Yusuf Abdullah

Quinton Friend

Johan Louw

Alfonso Thomas

Saidi Mlonga

Ugasen Govander