Jason Smith Dolphins batter Jason Smith scored 117 not out to guide the team to a memorable six-wicket victory over the North West Dragons last weekend. Photo: Cricket South Africa
Image: Cricket South Africa
A redemption knock of 117 not out off 136 balls in his second innings against the Dragons gave Dolphins batter Jason Smith some added confidence going into their Four-Day Series encounter with Lions in Johannesburg on Thursday (10am start).
Smith saved face after Caleb Seleka bowled him for just eight runs in the first innings at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
The 30-year-old stepped up in round two and thrashed 13 fours and three sixes, with a strike-rate of 86, to secure the win for Dolphins.
Smith told Independent Media on Wednesday that the performance was a good confidence-booster, but not much has changed in terms of preparing for a game.
“I don’t think much has changed for me. My process of preparing for a game, I like to think it stayed the same, but I’ve taken a lot from it though,” Smith said.
“I feel it has made me a bit more confident with being positive and showing intent, and hopefully I can continue with it.”
The team landed in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their match with the Lions at Wanderers Stadium on Thursday in what promises to be an interesting game between log leaders and the second-placed side.
The Lions remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament, and are almost 20 points ahead of the Dolphins.
Smith will need to acquaint himself quickly if he’s to back up his performance at Kingsmead, because conditions at the Wanderers differ when it comes to bounce and pace.
But it’s not unfamiliar territory for most of their roster, and the Dolphins plan to give the Lions a run for their money.
“A lot of us have played cricket at the Wanderers, and there’s a bit more bounce,” Smith said.
“The ball does a bit more there. We prepped nicely (for that) yesterday, and I feel like it allows us to take more time.
“But also, it gives us a good wicket where if you get yourself in, you are able to score runs.
“We do think the Wanderers have a good cricketing wicket for both bat and ball, so it’s always going to be a good contest.”
The Dolphins will be without Keshav Maharaj and Andile Simelane for the Lions match, but will include Marques Ackerman, Eathan Bosch and Banele Cele back into their line-up.
Smith said there’s an air of positivity in the changeroom, and so too did head coach Quinton Friend, adding that the challenge excited them.
“If you want to compete for the trophy, then you have to be able to beat the best, and this is a great opportunity for us to do that,” Friend said.
“I think the balance of the squad means we cover our bases well, and we will only really know what approach to take once we assess the conditions at the Wanderers.
“It’s great to have different options available to us, especially for such a big game in the competition.”