19 February 2026
In a recent CSA 4-Day Series Division 1 match, played at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead from 9-12 February, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins staged a stunning fightback to defeat the Eastern Warriors by two wickets after trailing by 127 runs on the first innings. It also marked a thrilling introduction to first-class cricket for Clifton College‘s 2025 1st XI captain, Tim Saulez.
The day before the game, he had been informed that he would serve as the Dolphins’ 12th-man, which he described “as incredibly exciting because I knew I was going to be among the team, getting to know the guys.”
Then, when one of the Dolphins’ players picked up a hamstring injury, Saulez was elevated to the playing XI.
“It all just happened so fast. It was a lot to take in,” he said while watching the first day’s action at the Clifton T20 Tournament, at the Crusaders Club.
“I had a lot of nerves going through my system, but it was mixed with a lot of excitement. It was an incredible experience to be a part of that team, and to be out in the middle. It was incredibly exciting.”
Batting first, the Eastern Warriors posted 380 all out, which included 113 from their captain and Clifton old boy, Senuran Muthusamy.
The Dolphins replied with 253 all out, with Saulez, batting at 10, finishing with two not out.
“It was funny. Sen Muthusamy was playing for the Warriors, so it was a cool thing to know that my first runs in first-class cricket came off him,” Saulez said.
“He’s always been such a nice guy. We know each other through Yashin Ebrahim at BEST (Baboo Ebrahim Sports Trust) Cricket Academy. Sen’s always been so humble and down to earth, and always asking questions, so he was really nice, and it was cool to play against him.
When the Eastern Warriors batted again, they declared on 237/5. This time, Tim Saulez was also entrusted with the ball. He sent down six overs and conceded 24 runs.
The Dolphins were set a tough task of 365 runs to win. They made it, though, winning by two wickets, with Saulez and Andile Simelane (Maritzburg College) seeing the home side across the line. Saulez was seven not out from 13 balls, while Simelane struck three fours and a six in his 21 off 13.
The highlight of the innings, though, was 111 from Semal Pillay, who captained Durban High School in 2024. Slade van Staden (Hilton College) weighed in with 61, Khaya Zondo (Westville Boys’ High) made 71, and Eathan Bosch (Hilton College) added a very useful 53.
“It was an amazing game to be a part of for my first four-day game. It really was four-day cricket at its peak,” Saulez enthused.
“There are moments when you think you are out of the game, but the way Semal batted, Slade van Staden, the way Eathan Bosch chipped in, Khaya Zondo, too, it was really amazing, and to be there at the end topped it off.”
He continued: “I took a lot of confidence from seeing Semal doing so well. He and I have played a lot of cricket together. To see him go out and do that on the big stage, I was incredibly happy for him. He’s worked so hard for so long.”
Reflecting on the differences between the four-day game and other formats he had previously played, the former Clifton star said: “I think the biggest difference was how up and down the game goes.
“After day one, they were 380 all out, and we trailed by 100-plus after our first innings. When they declared [their second innings], we found ourselves in the back foot, but we knew the game was still there to take.
“I think the way the game goes up and down, and the way that you have to constantly stay mentally in it, compared to 50-over cricket or two-day cricket, was an amazing experience.
“The level of cricket, and the way the guys go about their batting and bowling is incredible.”
Looking ahead, he said he is prepared to do what it takes to advance his game. He explained: “I have always seen myself as an all-rounder. At school level, I found myself opening the bowling and batting in the top order. Right now, I am just focusing on what I can contribute to the team, when and if I am needed.
“Whatever they feel is best for me, and whatever role they feel is best for me to benefit the team, I am going to take that with both hands.”
Catching his breath after his unexpected first-class debut, he said: “It all happened so quickly. I had an ankle injury about three weeks ago. I started playing again about a week to two weeks ago. To think that I was making my first-class debut straight after that was quite surreal. I’m really grateful for the experience.”
He ended by saying that it was pleasing to know that people had taken note of his performances in 2025, even if he wasn’t always at his best.
“Looking back at last year’s school year, it wasn’t the best year that I would have liked to have with the bat and ball, so it’s good to know that the people who are watching see something in me. They see the vision and have a plan.
“It’s nice to know that people believe in you, which gives you an extra bit of confidence.”
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