Titans tame Lions at the Bullring

Bizhub Highveld Lions suffered a 42-run defeat at the Bidvest Wanderers against arch rivals, Multiply Titans in their T20 Challenge opener on 12 November.

The Lions have many new faces in their squad, which for the first time, was being led by Proteas spinner, Aaron Phangiso.

The young Lions side also saw 18-year-old St Stithians Boys College all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder make his T20 Challenge debut.

A career-best 83 by Heino Kuhn set the Titans victory in another high scoring affair at the Bullring.

The veteran batsman clubbed four fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 52-ball innings that took the visitors to their highest ever score of 194/4.

Titans captain, Albie Morkel also claimed 3/12 in an outstanding four overs spell as the defending champions restricted the Lions to 152/8 in their chase.

Despite losing the toss the Titans batted superbly after they were asked to bat in the second match of a double-header at the Wanderers.

Kuhn batted through the innings which saw the early dismissals of Henry Davids (8) and Grant Mokoena (4) by Lions paceman Hardus Viljoen who took 2/34. Khun added 48 for the third wicket with Qaasim Adams, 74 for the fourth wicket with Morkel and an unbroken 56 with Farhaan Behardien (37 no) for the fifth wicket, to take the Titans to their record total.

The Lions lost Reeza Hendricks who retired hurt in the opening over and they never recovered. Rassie van der Dussen fought a lone battle with his bludgeoning 51 (28 balls, two fours, five sixes), while Viljoen plundered his highest T20 score of 41 from 26 balls.

Titans skipper, Morkel received good support from Lungi Ngidi 2/42 and Malusi Siboto 2/21 as last year’s winners began the season with a statement of intent.

Read: Matrix ‘joins the charge’with sponsorship of the bizhub Highveld Lions for another season