Cricket

Lions crowned SA’s T20 Challenge champions

The Central Gauteng Lions comfortably beat KZN Dolphins with seven wickets in hand within the T20 Challenge closing on the Wanderers on Sunday.

Lions received the CSA T20 Challenge so as to add a second trophy assortment, after additionally successful the first-class competitors. And with their newest triumph coming simply two days wanting the Proteas’ squad announcement for the T20 World Cup, a lot of their frontline stars are actually main the race for choice for the one of many ICC’s marquee occasions.

MATCH SUMMARY: LIONS MAUL DOLPHINS

The Dolphins batted first on the Wanderers, which has change into the Lions’ fortress. The guests suffered two early setbacks when first Bryce Parsons for simply three runs after which the Lions struck with the wicket of the harmful Jon Jon Smuts, who was caught off the bowling of Bjorn Fortuin for a lowly seven runs.

Opening batsman Khaya Zondo (37 off 25 balls) and Marques Ackerman (17 off 11) tried to regular the ship, however their efforts had been short-lived as Nqaba Peter (1-42) trapped Zondo lbw and Evan Jones had Ackerman caught by Mulder at mid-on.

Lutho Sipamla then bowled Andile Phehlukwayo (10) adopted by Fortuin (2-24) dismissing Tshepang Dithole (10).

It was Jason Smith’s 51 off 33 balls that rejuvenated the Dolphins’ innings, forming a 57-run partnership with Eathan Bosch (17) to propel them to 165-8.

Set a target of 166 to win the title, Proteas ace Reeza Hendricks (73* off 52 balls) was on the centre of the Lions’ profitable chase.

The hosts misplaced Ryan Rickelton (18), Rassie van der Dussen (six) and Temba Bavuma (seven) all in fast succession, however Hendricks’ partnership with Wiaan Mulder (55* off 26 balls) was the nail within the Dolphins’ coffin.

The pair orchestrated an 85-run partnership, guiding the reigning 4-Day Series champions to their second title this season.

SOUTH AFRICA’S DOMESTIC T20 CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

The Lions are the official T20 Challenge champions. Image: @LionsCricketSA by way of X.

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