After rising to prominence with a flashy half-century for the Prime Minister's XI early this week, Dean returns to the top of the Queanbeyan batting order for its Douglas Cup match against the Tigers at Kippax Oval on Saturday.

The ACT Comets captain made the most of his opportunity in the Ricky Ponting-led side, smashing a whirlwind 51 from 40 balls against a pace attack that featured Darren Sammy and Tino Best.

Tigers captain Josh Kentwell is confident his side can claim his scalp early. He believes his team's lowly position on the two-day ladder lulls rivals into taking it easy.

''Jono is a force to be reckoned with, but usually when we've played him we've got him out fairly cheaply,'' Kentwell said.

''A guy like Jono, you're not going to get him out by sledging or trying to get inside his head, he's too mentally strong for that stuff.

''You've got to be disciplined and stick to a game plan, and hopefully it pays off.''

Dean said he had ''barely slept'' since his breakthrough innings on Tuesday night and remains hopeful of receiving interest from Big Bash League franchises.

''There's been nothing as yet,'' Dean said.

''I've heard a few little whispers so if something positive comes out of it that's great, but if not I'll keep plugging away.

''I'll head back to reality and try and do a job for the Baggers on the weekend.''

While the Tigers are languishing at the bottom of the two-day ladder, they've been the surprise packets of the limited-overs competition and will face Eastlake in the first semi-final at Kingston Oval on Sunday.

Kentwell puts the resurgence down to the appointment of coach Martin Garoni and an influx of new players, including Albury duo Ross Pawson and Ben Fulford as well as Sam Gaskin, who has returned after a stint at Norths.

''We've got rid of the old dead weight and brought in some new young blood, which is what the club needed,'' Kentwell said.

Tuggeranong and Wests-UC square off in the other semi-final at Jamison.

■ ACT CRICKET

Saturday: Douglas Cup: North Canberra Gungahlin v Eastlake at Keith Tournier Memorial; Ginninderra v Queanbeyan at Kippax 2; Weston Creek v ANU at Stirling; Tuggeranong v West's-UC at Chisholm 1. All games at 11am. Sunday: John Gallop Cup semi-finals: Ginninderra v Eastlake at Kingston; Tuggeranong v Wests-UC at Jamison. Both games at 11am.