The Lions are still alive in Cricket SA's Division 1 T20 Challenge by the barest of margins after their bonus-point victory over the hapless Western Province on Monday evening in Potchefstroom.
After the run-fest earlier in the day, inspired by the Titans’ rookie Dewald Brevis’ record-break162, the second match was a rather drab affair.But the Lions would have not minded as they did just enough to gain the bonus point that keeps their hopes of progressing to the semifinals intact after their 32-run victory over WP.
Proteas allrounder Wiaan Mulder provided the impetus in the Lions innings with a 34-ball 52, and he was ably joined by Mitchell van Buuren (40 off 24 balls). The pair put together a solid 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket that set up the Lions for a much bigger total than they eventual 160/8.
This was due to Province finishing strongly with the ball, primarily due to seamers Nandre Burger (3/22) and Tshepo Moreki, who finished with career-best 4/22.
However, WP’s batters once again flattered to deceive with yet another disappointing run-chase.
It was only 22-year-old Mihlali Mpongwana, who was promoted to No 3, played with any form of fluency at the crease. Mpongwana utilised his long levers to good effect to hit the ball cleanly down the ground, and there was also a delightful pick-off his pads that sailed into the stands.
But just when Mpongwana was starting to click over to the next gear, Lions fielder Dominic Hendricks produced a game-changer at the cover when he picked up the ball and without even looking at the stumps, threw down the target as the bowler’s end to send the WP rookie back to the pavilion for 43 off 29 balls.
The Lions seamers squeezed the WP middle-order from that moment with Codi Yusuf (2/15), Malusi Siboto (2/18) and Tladi Bokako (2/19) all producing excellent figures.
This meant that a game within a game was in effect taking place as the Lions had to restrict WP to 128 if they were to pick up the crucial extra point.
Mulder needed to defend 10 runs off the final over to achieve this objective and managed this off the final ball when Burger was run out attempting a second run.
The Lions face the Rocks in their final group match, while the Knights face off against North West on Tuesday.
LIONS: Ryan Rickelton, Cameron Delport, Dominic Hendricks, Mitchell van Buuren, Evan Jones, Wiaan Mulder, Glen Adams, Malusi Siboto, Codi Yusuf, Tladi Bokako, Ayavuya Myoli.
WESTERN PROVINCE: Gavin Kaplan, Daniel Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana, Aviwe Mgijima, George Linde, Kyle Verreynne, Abdullah Bayoumy, Beuran Hendricks, Nandre Burger, Junaid Dawood, Tshepo Moreki.