Bittersweet day for Kagiso Rabada in Highveld Lions meltdown

About a week ago, the Highveld Lions admitted they needed to watch Wayne Parnell carefully before a meeting with the Cape Cobras.

It was understandable sentiment as the Proteas all-rounder had a history of big scores against them.

But on Sunday they clearly forgot about Colin Ingram.

The experienced Warriors left-hander has also feasted on this attack various times and did so again at Newlands as he guided his side to a four-wicket win and their first victory of this season’s Ram Slam T20 challenge.

Ingram was irresistible, smashing seven sixes in a magnificent 89 off just 48 deliveries.

It was an innings that reminded all off his ability to hit all around the ground as the Warriors cruised to the highest chase in a T20 day game in Cape Town.

Adding to that achievement is that they were in early trouble as Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets in his first over to leave them 13/2 in a chase of 183.

However, the electric Proteas quick was to become a key figure in the Lions losing their grip.

First he dropped Ingram on 18 in the outfield, a catch you’d expect an international cricketer to grab.

Rabada was then the victim of a controversial decision when Ingram sliced him to the sweeper on the off-side.

Young Marques Ackerman was on the rope, grabbed the ball, threw it up after he stepped over and then completed the catch.

But the third umpire seemed to believe Ackerman moved the boundary rope back with his foot and when he grabbed the ball a second time, his foot had crossed the original line of the rope.

Ingram was on 57 at the time.

The former Proteas batter duly took advantage with Christiaan Jonker, whose 39 off 28 was equally vital.

Questions need to be asked though of the Lions’ tactics.

The bowlers applied precious little thought to their bowling – Beuran Hendricks (1/50 off 4) and Wiaan Mulder (0/39 off 3) both went for over 12 an over – and skipper Aaron Phangiso’s plans were far too passive.

Rabada though did complete a good spell with 3/25.

Reeza Hendricks, who’s batting on another planet it seems this season, continued his outstanding form with 81 off 63.

He was well supported by Rassie van der Dussen (45 off 30) and innovative youngster Ryan Rickelton (41 off 23).

They couldn’t have anticipated the meltdown with the ball though.

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