Cobras finally open their account against messy Lions

The embattled Cape Cobras are finally on the board in the Ram Slam T20 challenge after beating the Highveld Lions by six runs in Paarl on Friday night.

Following three opening defeats, Ashwell Prince’s troops kept their heads well against opponents who’ll feel they were their own worst enemy.

The Lions seemed handily placed for a third consecutive victory when they required a challenging but manageable 19 runs off 12 balls.

Given that Mangaliso Mosehle (22) and Dwaine Pretorius (17) were at the crease, their hopes were rightly high.

But the experienced Rory Kleinveldt (2/16) struck twice in the over as the Lions messed up their chase.

It was hard on the in-form opening duo of Rassie van der Dussen (51 off 44) and Reeza Hendricks (27 off 23), who set up a good platform for the visitors.

Earlier, they would also have rued some wayward moments with the ball as they generally kept the Cobras in check well.

Kagiso Rabada (2/20) bowled an excellent spell and was well supported by Wiaan Mulder (2/16), who continues to impress.

However, the experience of Hashim Amla and JP Duminy was telling as they added a crucial 87 for the third wicket.

Amla looked pretty serene during his 42 off 35 but his skipper and partner showed grit as he glued the innings with his 54 off 49.

In Bloemfontein, the Knights made heavy weather in chasing down the 156 set by the Warriors.

David Miller’s 37-ball 48 provided the Knights their momentum before the wily Ryan McLaren (31 off 18) applied the finishing touches.

Colin Ackermann’s classy 74 off just 51 deliveries was the highlight of an improved Warriors effort but they’re still winless.

The poor Dolphins suffered a third successive washout as they couldn’t get onto the field against the Titans in Benoni.

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.