North West — Dolphins: 144:148, CSA T20 Challenge

North West fell short against the Dolphins, losing 144 to 148 in the CSA T20 Challenge on 13 October. The hosts fought hard but could not hold off the visitors, who moved further clear at the top of the table. To be fair, the margin tells only part of the story — both sides went for broke from the start.

The Dolphins now sit first with 15 points from four matches, two wins clear of second place. North West remain fifth on nine points after two victories and two defeats. By then the gap was already looking significant, and this result only widened it.

Both teams have been scoring freely of late. North West's last outing saw them lose 149 to 150 against South Western Districts, while the Dolphins edged past the Border with a single run difference. The recent pattern suggests these contests rarely go beyond a certain threshold of runs.

Our prediction had backed the hosts at 61 per cent confidence, but the match went the other way. The Dolphins kept their composure in the final overs when the game was still in the balance — something North West could not match under pressure.

The result leaves North West with little room for error in their remaining fixtures. The Dolphins extend their momentum, and with three games still to play the table could look very different by the time the season closes.