Pirates will meet Tridents in the Toyota DPL 2025 final in Cardiff on Wednesday after rain scuppered the chance of a dramatic conclusion to the group stages.
With Pirates – last year’s winners – already assured of a last-two spot following four straight wins across the first two weekends’ round-robin fixtures, the focus was on the battle between Tridents, Black Cats and Hawks to secure that second final spot.
The stage was set at Colwall CC against the eye-catching backdrop of the Malvern Hills, but the weather had other plans. Well before midday, the remaining four fixtures were abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Tridents’ two wins – the second thanks to skipper Liam O’Brien’s critical six that helped them inch them past Hawks on DLS in a rain-affected chase last weekend – proved enough to set up a repeat of last year’s final for the Sky Sports cameras at Sophia Gardens.
It promises to be a thrilling affair, with O’Brien – a winner in 2022 – keen to see his side capitalise on their good fortune by showing their true colours in Cardiff.
“We’ve got ourselves into winning positions and have found ways to lose,” he said.
“I just want a bit more killer instinct – we should have beaten Pirates in the first game, but dropped Will Flynn twice. You can’t drop international players and expect to win games – so my message will be all about execution.
“It’ll be Pirates’ game to lose,” he added. “They’ve not lost since the 2023 final – all the pressure’s on them. And I love being the underdog.”
Pirates’ skipper Anthony Clapham – looking to be the first side to defend the trophy – shrugged off the favourites tag, but was quietly confident of his side’s chances.
“We’re unbeaten in 13 games, so we’re creating a bit of a dynasty really, and winning is a habit,” he said. “We’ve been a real team this year – there’s nobody that’s stood out, with good contributions through the side.
“Brendon [Parr] getting out in the first over last year sent shock waves through the dressing room because he’d scored so many runs, but this year, it’s been any one of a number of players who have stepped up and taken care of business. Everybody has stood out in some way.”
One intriguing change from last year’s personnel is in the switch of seamer Adnan Ghani – who made such a dramatic impact for Pirates in the final with 4-18 – lining up for Tridents this time round.
Weather willing it should be another memorable match-up ahead of England Men’s Vitality IT20 clash with South Africa – with a reserve day set aside at Loughborough if required.