DOL vs LIO Dream11 Prediction: Match 28 – CSA T20 Challenge 2025 | Fantasy Tips, Playing 11 & Match Preview
Dolphins (DOL) face off against Lions (LIO) in Match 28 of the CSA T20 Challenge 2025 at Kingsmead, Durban. The Lions come in with strong recent performances and near dominance in head-to-head match-ups, while the Dolphins will look to leverage home conditions to bounce back. Fantasy players must pay attention to batting depth, bowling in powerplays, and value picks from both sides.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Dolphins vs Lions |
| Tournament | CSA T20 Challenge 2025 |
| Match Number | 28 |
| Date | 23 November 2025 |
| Format | T20 |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
Pitch Report
Surface Behaviour
- Kingsmead offers bounce and carry, good for both batters and pace bowlers.
- Batting conditions get better after initial overs; solid totals expected.
- Spinners may find less grip but can exploit pace standard and slabs of boundaries.
Expected Score
- First innings likely around 160-180 runs.
Fantasy Impact
- Top-order batters and finishers are key picks.
- Pacers who bowl in power-pressures hold value.
- All-rounders with both bat and ball contributions enhance team balance.
Team Preview: Dolphins (DOL)
Strengths
- Home ground familiarity at Kingsmead.
- Potential for batting explosion if openers fire.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent results recently.
- Bowling attack sometimes lacks depth.
DOL Probable Playing 11
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Tshepang Dithole |
| Opener | Romashan Pillay |
| Batter | Slade van Staden |
| Batter | Hanu Viljoen |
| All-rounder | Semal Pillay |
| All-rounder | Eathan Bosch |
| Spinner | Okuhle Cele |
| Pacer | Codi Yusuf |
| Pacer | Lutho Sipamla |
| Pacer | Tristan Luus |
| Utility | Khaya Zondo |
Team Preview: Lions (LIO)
Strengths
- Strong recent run of form and consistent performers.
- Balanced batting & bowling for T20 format.
Weaknesses
- Away from home may reduce home-advantage.
- Middle overs sometimes shaky if early wickets fall.
LIO Probable Playing 11
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Joshua Richards |
| Opener | Dominic Hendricks (C) |
| Batter | Richard Seletswane |
| Batter | Connor Esterhuizen (WK) |
| All-rounder | Delano Potgieter |
| All-rounder | Beyers Swanepoel |
| Spinner | Sipho Potsane |
| Pacer | Beyers Swanepoel* |
| Pacer | Eathan Bosch* |
| Pacer | ??? |
| Utility | ??? |
*Note: Some roles may overlap; adjust based on final XI.
Head-to-Head & Form
- Lions maintain strong win record vs Dolphins in recent encounters.
- The match may hinge on early momentum and how openers perform.
Top Fantasy Picks
Best Batting Picks
- Joshua Richards (LIO)
- Tshepang Dithole (DOL)
- Slade van Staden (DOL)
Best All-Rounder Picks
- Delano Potgieter (LIO)
- Semal Pillay (DOL)
- Beyers Swanepoel (LIO)
Best Bowlers
- Codi Yusuf (DOL)
- Sipho Potsane (LIO)
- Okuhle Cele (DOL)
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Safe (Small League)
- Joshua Richards (C)
- Tshepang Dithole (VC)
- Delano Potgieter
Risky (Grand League)
- Beyers Swanepoel (C)
- Semal Pillay (VC)
- Slade van Staden (C)
Dream11 Team Strategy
Small League Strategy
- Lean towards Lions’ consistent performers.
- Pick 1–2 high-upside Dolphins players for value.
- Choose C/VC from Richards, Dithole or Potgieter.
Grand League Strategy
- Balanced picks from both teams.
- Differential picks like Semal Pillay or Dithole for big payoff.
- Use all-rounder or top bowler as C for higher reward.
Match Prediction
Lions appear marginal favourites given their head-to-head record and form.
Predicted Winner: Lions
Conclusion
Match 28 of the CSA T20 Challenge between Dolphins and Lions is set to be a competitive, high-scoring affair. While the Lions hold slight advantage due to form and balanced squad, Dolphins’ home conditions and batting talent mean they cannot be written off. From a fantasy viewpoint, focusing on top-order batters and quality all-rounders will yield maximum returns. Keep an eye on the final team sheets and lock your Dream11 cricket team accordingly. Best of luck!