Boland, Warriors set for high-stakes CSA T20 Challenge title showdown in Paarl

Two of the top teams in this season’s Cricket South Africa T20 Challenge are set to compete for the coveted trophy at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday.

This season has been different, with several of the traditionally big teams — including the Titans and the Lions — losing the majority of their matches.

In the ongoing CSA T20 Challenge, coach Justin Ontong’s Boland side have their eyes firmly set on the trophy, with coach Robin Peterson’s Warriors standing in their way.

Ontong and his team are fresh from a CSA One-Day Cup final earlier this year, where they lost to the Dolphins at the very same venue, Boland Park in Paarl.

On the other hand, Peterson has a young side, led by a growing leader in Matthew de Villiers.

De Villiers and his side made it to the final after the second qualifier against the Dolphins was rained out in Gqeberha.

“I think the preparation has been really good. We had really good training days on Thursday and Friday. Everyone was really excited,” Boland spinner Imran Manack said.

“The energy was good and I think everybody’s just looking forward to getting out on the park and representing the badge and playing for Boland on Sunday.”

Heading into the final, the hosts understand that they do not have to change much in their style of play.

Manack, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, believes that making the most of their home advantage is key to their success in the final.

“I think the key elements for us to finish the tournament as champions would be that we try and stay true to what we've been doing, try not to change too much, and give ourselves the best chance by doing that because that’s what has got us where we are right now. I think that’s really been one of the key things that’s got us to where we are.”

“So I think we don’t want to change too much and we want to keep it as simple as possible.”

The final is set to get underway at 1pm on Sunday.