The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies team is on a roll.
Of the 12 matches that they have played so far this season, six in the Hollywoodbets Pro20 and six in the Pro50, they have lost just one match.
That loss came in their final T20 against the DP World Lions. Their unblemished record in the Pro50 competition is a follow on from their title winning efforts last season in the 50-over tournament. This season they have carried that form with several impressive displays.
Head coach, Angelique Taai, said their performances have been better than she was expecting.
“We put in the hard work in the off season, as well as pre-season to ensure we reap the rewards and peak at the right time. I always believed in each player’s ability to showcase what they can do not only as a cricketer but as a human being on and off the field,” said Taai.
“Team first, everything else after that. I knew we would do well, but this team really exceeded all my expectations with the amazing start to the season.”
Given their impressive form they will head into the new year as the team to beat.
Taai understands that there is added pressure on her squad, however she feels that they have put in the groundwork to deal with this.
She said the focus for the team is to continue maintaining a positive mindset and fostering a culture of resilience and teamwork. Her message to her team is to embrace the challenges that come with competitive cricket while staying committed to their goals.
“While winning is important, the emphasis should be on executing our plans and processes effectively. If we concentrate on doing the right things, the results will follow,” she said.
Taking the focus away from results and using other avenues of emphasis is something Taai has used to keep her squad engaged.
She said it was important to cultivate a strong mindset and support each other, especially during tough times. She said she will continue to remind the team to enjoy playing the game, and this often leads to better performance.
With four rounds left in both competitions the Dolphins will be eyeing the top of the table across both competitions. Consistency has been key to getting them into this position and for Taai that has been a stand-out factor so far. Consistency along with other off the field factors have been crucial to their run of success.
“Our overall consistency in performance, not only from an individual perspective but the uniformity of the whole squad, collectively, has been remarkable. Our belief is trusting in our processes, living our values, our Ubuntu approach and proper teamwork has been extraordinary,” she said.
“Our batters have really come to the party more consistently this season, and our bowlers continued where they left of last season. This enabled us to perform collectively as a unit. We strive to be the best fielding team in the country as well as being number one overall in our fitness.”
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will face Free State in the next round of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series over the weekend of February 22 to 23.
