The North West Dragons’ chances of reaching the CSA One Day Cup final was dealt a blow on Friday night (20 October) when the Lions beat them by 75 runs.
Chasing 305 for victory, the Dragons lost key wickets in the chase at crucial intervals that stunted their challenge. They were eventually bowled out for 229 in 43.2 overs.
The Lions posted 304/7 in their 50 overs thanks largely to a brilliant 87 (66) from middle-order batter, Mitchell van Buuren. Van Buuren capatalised on undisciplined death bowling from the Dragons. The Lions managed to lift their total from 209/5 after 42 overs hitting 95 runs in the last 8 overs.
The Lions also made a good start thanks to century stand from openers, Ryan Rickelton (52 off 59) and Joshua Richards (51 off 65).
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
The Dragons managed to peg the Lions back through spin with Senuran Muthusamy (1/44) and Caleb Seleka (3/58) standing out.
The Dragons reply got off to a good start, but a double blow in the space of three ball saw Meeka-eel Prince and Lesego Senokwane back in the change room. Senokwane was run-out through a risky single by Zubayr Hamza and Prince flicked a Tshepo Moreki delivery to Wiaan Mulder.
Raynard van Tonder with 57 (64) and Wihan Lubbe (32 off 37) rebuilt the innings with a 65-run partnership, but things went downhill when Lubbe was bowled by Evan Jones’ first ball.
Wiaan Mulder (3/29) then took three wickets in succession to rock the Dragons as Muthusamy (15), Lesiba Ngoepe (0) and Van Tonder fell.
The Dragons were on the backfoot on 149/6 and a cameo from Ruan de Swardt (39 off 38) was not enough as they were dismissed far short of the target with Bjorn Fortuin (3/29) cleaning up the tail.
The Dragons will now travel to Gqeberha to face the Warriors on Sunday, 22 October for their final must-win match. The Dragons must win with a bonus point to clinch a spot in the final against Western Province. They will need to achieve a run rate of at least 1.25 better than the Warriors to achieve this.
The match starts at 10:00.
