Young Lions bowlers throttle Titans

A superb bowling and fielding display from the DP World Lions restricted the Momentum Multiply Titans to 115 all out in 19.2 overs in Qualifier 1 of the T20 Challenge at DP World Wanderers on Tuesday.

Lead by the bright stars of South African cricket, legspinner Nqaba Peter with 4/15 in 3.2 overs and speedster Kwena Maphaka with 3/11 in four overs, the Lions took to the field with intent and purpose after skipper Bjorn Fortuin won the toss and opted to bowl.

The result was a superb performance of controlled and disciplined work with the ball, backed up by incredible outfielding, the Lions accepting everything that was offered, making sure of their catches.

Needing to strike early, the Lions were rewarded in tying the Titans down from the first ball, allowing them to score a meagre 32/3 in the powerplay, this from a side that had the best powerplay run rate in the competition to date, averaging more than nine to the over in the first six overs.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius (7), Rivaldo Moonsamy (1) and Sibs Makhanya (0) were quickly dispatched, Titans captain Heinrich Klaasen striding to the crease at 19/3. Despite a few crisp blows, he was dismissed for 14 (17 balls) by Lutho Sipamla, caught by Fortuin at long -off as he tried to smash one over the bowler's head.

Only Dayyaan Galiem (44) from 39 balls offered much resistance, sharing a fourth wicket partnership of 32 with Klaasen and 36 for the fifth wicket with Donovan Ferreira (21) from 18 balls.

Spin was only introduced in the 11th over when Peter began his magic spell. He bowled with pace and guile, wrapping up the Titans' batsmen who had no answer for his variation. He delivered a maiden wicket over, the 16th of the game, which was repeated by Maphaka in the 19th over.

Delano Potgieter (1/22), Sipamla (1/27) and Evan Jones (1/22) were the other wicket takers for the Lions.

The Lions need to score at just under six to the over to advance to Sunday's final at the Wanderers.l

DPWorld Lions: Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen, Mitchell van Buuren, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (c), Lutho Sipamla, Kwena Maphaka, Nqaba Peter

Momentum Multiply Titans: Migael Pretorius, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Dayyaan Galiem, Heinrich Klaasen (c), Sibs Makhanya, Donovan Ferreira, Andile Phelukwayo, Gerald Coetzee, Roelof van der Merwe, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi