The Standard Bank Cup comes to an end this Friday night (9 February) when the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins take on their Western Province opponents at Kingsmead in the final day-night clash of the season.

The 2001-02 Standard Bank Cup has lived up to its sponsors motto of "Simpler, Better, Faster". The cricket has been better, runs have been scored faster and matches have been closer than in any other season.

Three matches ended up in ties, with Northerns being the unlucky team to be involved in two of the ties. KwaZulu-Natal, the only unbeaten side during the round robin stage, was involved in many a close game, while lesser teams in the past, North West, have shown that they are capable of mixing it with the more traditionally strong teams.

The final is set to be no exception. Western Province, under the new leadership of Neil Johnson after the injury to HD Ackerman, with the likes of Graeme Smith (713 runs), Lloyd Ferreira (358 runs) and Ashwell Prince (205 runs) have ended the season off with some convincing victories. Their bowling department has been on form all season with Graham Smith (19 wickets), Roger Telemachus (19 wickets), Claude Henderson (15 wickets) and Alan Dawson (14 wickets) sitting high on the seasons averages list.

For KwaZulu-Natal the season has largely depended on a team effort with most players contributing in one form or the other. Ahmed Amla leads the batting with 308 runs, followed by captain Dale Benkenstein (290), John Kent (271) and Goolam Bodi (233). Their bowling attack however has rested squarely on the shoulders of Nixon McLean (12 wickets) and Ros Veenstra (11 wickets). Both these players are coming back from injuries and will depend heavily on the support from Goolam Bodi (10 wickets) and the remaining bowlers.

KwaZulu-Natal's first priority will be the Western Province top order. Apart from Smith and Ferreira, Johnson, Prince and Jonathan Trot form a major threat to the Dolphins lifting the trophy for a second time in two years. Playing in front of their home supporters should be a major advantage to the Durbanites. Western Province will have to concentrate for the full 45 overs as the Dolphins will not let them off the hook.

Play starts at 16h00 and the gates will open at 14h00.

The evening promises to be plenty of fun with lots of entertainment planned. For the adults there is a luxury car display, Catfish Sam will be entertaining with some great music as well as lots of giveaways and an evening of great cricket. To keep the little ones amused there will be the Kiddies entertainment area with face painting, the Gladiator bouncer, as well as lots of characters who will be handing out freebies, games and for those kids who join the MTN Dolphin Club there will be a free gift.

Cupid will be searching for the best dressed Valentine couple's on the night and they will win a weekend at the Zimbali Lodge. Local supporters not interested in this competition are request to wear green to show your support for the Dolphins.

Tickets are available from the Stadium and prices are as follows: Ground Admission: Adult: R20,00 Child: R6,00 Pensioner: R10,00 North/South Stand: R40,00 West Stand: R35,00 (The ticket office is open weekdays from 8am - 4:15pm)

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