The clash at JB Marks Oval will be the Dragons’ first home fixture of the competition, and they head into the encounter with renewed confidence after bouncing back from their opening defeat to the Eastern Cape Iinyathi in impressive fashion.

The Dragons responded in style last week, securing a convincing six-wicket victory over the Lions at the Wanderers to get their campaign back on track.

Dragons captain and Proteas wicketkeeper Rubin Hermann told OFM Sport that the team is in high spirits and eager to build on that performance.

Rubin Hermann. Photo: Cricinfo

“We’re very excited to take on the Badgers tomorrow. The team is in great spirits, and we know we’re playing some quality cricket. Our early stumble in the competition was a good reminder that we can’t take anything for granted. T20 cricket is a fickle game, and the team that plays the best cricket on the day usually comes out on top.

“Perhaps it wasn’t the worst thing to happen to us early in the competition, because it gave us time to reflect, rectify things and ensure that it doesn’t become a defining loss. We showed our quality by going to the Lions and beating them convincingly on their home ground, which has added to our confidence.

“The team has been playing excellent cricket, and our skill execution has been at a very high level. We’ve reflected on what happened, and we’re ready to go again tomorrow.

“We need to stick to our processes, play with confidence and enjoy our cricket. When we perform at our best, there isn’t a team we can’t beat. We’ll focus on doing our job and putting in another quality performance.

“We want to carry that confidence through the group stage and into the Super Eights, and then push for some silverware.”

Saturday’s encounter carries extra significance for the Dragons, who will play in front of their home supporters for the first time this season and return to Potchefstroom for the first time in eight months.

Ruan de Swardt. Photo: X

The team will be keen to make the most of familiar conditions as they look to build momentum, with in-form seamer Daryn Dupavillon also relishing the opportunity to get back onto home soil.

The former Proteas fast bowler told OFM Sport that the squad has enjoyed a productive week of preparation following their victory over the Lions.

“The boys are very excited for tomorrow. We had a few days off after the Lions game and have had a good week of preparation,” said Dupavillon. “The weather in Potchefstroom has been great, which has allowed us to get in some quality training sessions.

“After the blip against Border, it was a good kick up the backside for us. It was also great to see the batters perform on a good wicket in Johannesburg. The boys are excited to be back in Potchefstroom, and it will be nice to get going at home again.”

Dupavillon, however, is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his side, with the Garden Route Badgers having strengthened their squad and shown that they can compete against quality opposition.

“SWD are a strong side. They’ve bolstered their squad this season and have looked competitive, particularly against the Dolphins, so we certainly won’t take them lightly.

“We want to uphold the standards we’ve set as a team. Unfortunately, we didn’t live up to those standards in the Border conditions, but these things happen, and they played well at home.

“We’re looking forward to having SWD here in our conditions and starting our run of home games. Hopefully, we can build some momentum, push for qualification for the Super Eights and take it from there.”

With confidence restored after their win over the Lions and the prospect of playing at home again, the Dragons will be determined to make Saturday’s clash count as they look to strengthen their position in the competition.

Play at JB Marks Oval is scheduled to get underway at 18:00 on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm