Dolphins Honor Star Performers
All-rounder Bryce Parsons stole the spotlight at the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Star Awards on Wednesday, which recognised outstanding contributions with both bat and ball from several senior KwaZulu-Natal men’s and women’s cricketers.
Among the women, Seshnie Naidu and Yasmeen Khan received special recognition for their performances. The Star Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 January, at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
The event celebrated individual brilliance and team success across the Hollywoodbets Dolphins men’s and women’s teams for the 2025 calendar year, which proved to be a standout period for KwaZulu-Natal cricket.
Both teams were applauded for an impressive season that delivered one major trophy, a second-place finish, and two third-place finishes across various domestic competitions.
The Dolphins men were crowned Cricket South Africa (CSA) One-Day Cup champions after securing a four-wicket victory over Goldrush Boland in the final of the 50-over competition at Boland Park.
Several players were honoured for match-defining performances across the CSA 4-Day Series, One-Day Cup, CSA T20 Challenge, Hollywoodbets Pro50, and Hollywoodbets Pro20 Series.
Parsons enjoyed a remarkable season, earning multiple accolades for his all-round excellence. His standout performances included figures of 5/28 against the North West Dragons at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, a commanding 183 against the Tuskers in October, and a decisive 6/41 against Western Province at Newlands, highlighting his consistency and impact in the longer format.
Batting honours were shared among several key contributors. Jason Smith was recognised for a classy 117 against the North West Dragons and a breathtaking 68 off just 19 balls in the CSA T20 Challenge against the Titans, which included nine sixes at an extraordinary strike rate of 357.89.
Tshepang Dithole produced three memorable innings—157 against the Lions at the Wanderers, 116 against Boland in Paarl, and 104 against the Lions at Kingsmead—cementing his status as one of the Dolphins’ most reliable run-scorers.
Khaya Zondo was honoured for a resolute 118 against the Warriors, while Eathan Bosch earned recognition for a crucial 59 in a narrow one-wicket victory over Western Province at Newlands.
The bowlers were equally influential throughout the season. Okuhle Cele claimed match-winning figures of 5/81 against Western Province, while Tristan Luus impressed with a determined 5/90 against the Warriors in Gqeberha.
In the women’s category, Naidu was celebrated for her outstanding 5/30 against the North West Dragons in the Hollywoodbets Pro50, while Khan delivered one of the innings of the season with a dominant 137 against the Titans at Kingsmead, guiding the Dolphins Women to a 77-run victory via the D/L method.
Through the Star Awards, Hollywoodbets reaffirmed its commitment to recognising excellence and investing in the development of cricket in KwaZulu-Natal.
