DP World Lions to tackle North-West Dragons followed by the Momentum Multiply Titans

Having successfully snared the Gbets Rocks in their web last weekend, the DP World Lions bowlers will be looking to similarly contain the

batting line-ups of the North-West Dragons and the Momentum Multiply Titans this

weekend as they complete their CSA One-Day Cup campaign.

The DP World Lions play the Dragons on Friday at the J.B. Marks Oval, which has been the site of two high-scoring games already this season, and Lions coach Russell Domingo is

expecting another. Western Province scored 248 for four in 34.1 overs to beat North-West on the opening weekend, and the home side then chased down 324 earlier this month to beat the Rocks.

The defending champions finish their campaign on Sunday, at home at the DP World

Wanderers Stadium, in the Jukskei Derby against the Titans, in what should be another

thrilling extravaganza packed with runs, and wickets for bowlers who are able to keep it

together under pressure.

That is exactly what the Lions attack did in Paarl against the Rocks, restricting the

Bolanders to just 240 for eight after they had been 140 for one. A solid batting display, the top six all getting decent starts, then saw The Pride triumph with five wickets and 29 balls to spare. Domingo is keeping that same squad together as the DP World Lions go in search of two wins that could see them finish in third place on the log.

“There’s still a lot for us to play for as we focus on getting the confidence back for the four-day competition,” Domingo said. “We are getting better, there are a few things we still need to work on but as a new coach at the DP World Wanderers, I have now seen how things

unfold and I’m pleased to see the progression from day one. I’m really happy with the buy-in of the players and the way they go about their business. The last couple of weeks have been really good. There have been biggish scores in Potch and a couple of big chases. It’s a quick outfield and I expect another high-scoring match. The Dragons have some quality batsmen too in Senuran Muthusamy, Meeka-Eel Prince has come up from Cape Town, and Raynard van Tonder, so we will have to play well.”

While the continued development of players such as Mitchell van Buuren, Josh Richards, Nqaba Peter and Wiaan Mulder has been an important part of the DP World Lions’ rebound, it is one of their stalwarts, Proteas spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who is proving to be a talisman for the attack. He had outstanding figures of three for 27 in his 10 overs against the Rocks, and has conceded just 4.66 runs-per-over in the five matches he has played.

“I’ve been very impressed with Bjorn, his coachability and the fact he is always willing to learn. I haven’t worked with him before, but I have nothing but positive things to say about him. I’ve been blown away by the fantastic, absolute desire he has to do well in domestic cricket. He was certainly our matchwinner in Paarl,” Domingo concluded.

Now the Pride and our supporters wait expectantly to see who will step up and lead the DP World Lions to victory this weekend as we look to slay the Dragons and the Titans to finish with our heads held high.