Last-chance saloon for Dolphins

It will probably be the last throw of the dice for the misfiring Dolphins at Kingsmead on Wednesday when they meet the Eagles in the Pro20 Series.

This is their last home game - they will hit the road after this one as they are down to play the Cape Cobras at Newlands on Saturday and then head for Potchefstroom on February 19 where they complete their round-robin matches against the Lions.

Both away games are tough encounters - the Dolphins have never been happy playing away, especially at Newlands, and only a miracle in the next 10 days or so will earn them a place in the semi-finals.

After Sunday's debacle at Kingsmead where the Dolphins crashed to a 23-run defeat to the Warriors, coach Graham Ford will be looking for answers from some of his key players.

One in particular is Loots Bosman, who has failed to live up to his star status in the limited-overs competition since flying in from the Eagles camp at the start of this season.

Bosman, who heads for the sub-continent after Wednesday night's game to join the South African one-day squad for their three-match series against India, owes the Dolphins a big innings. There's a burden on his shoulders and this is his big chance to prove to all he can do the job.

While Bosman is struggling to put the big numbers on the scoreboard, Imraan Khan, who has not played too many Pro20 games, seems to have adapted to this format - his 45 off 31 balls against the Warriors was an amazing knock.

But it's not only the batting where the Dolphins need to tighten up - their fielding lacked the zip of past and their bowling was below par as well. There were too many half volleys which were either dispatched for fours or sixes.

Maybe the Dolphins will revert to Alfonso Thomas for Wednesday's game after trying out Keshav Maharaj at the weekend.

The Dolphins squad will be named later on Tuesday but is not expected to show any major change as Yusuf Abdulla, their key quick bowler in this format, is still battling with a groin injury.

Dolphins:

Loots Bosman, Imraan Khan (Captain), Ahmed Amla, Dale Benkenstein,David Miller, Pierre de Bruyn, Daryn Smit, Johann Louw, Andrew Hall, Quinton Friend, Alfonso Thomas, Khaya Zondo, Ruan Pietersen