CHAMPIONS: Lions win SA’s T20 Challenge title in style!

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

Lions won the CSA T20 Challenge to add a second trophy collection, after also winning the first-class competition. And with their latest triumph coming just two days short of the Proteas’ squad announcement for the T20 World Cup, many of their frontline stars are now leading the race for selection for the one of the ICC’s marquee events.

MATCH SUMMARY: LIONS MAUL DOLPHINS

The Dolphins batted first at the Wanderers, which has become the Lions’ fortress. The visitors suffered two early setbacks when first Bryce Parsons for just three runs and then the Lions struck with the wicket of the destructive 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) attempted to steady the ship, but their efforts were 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) followed 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 at the centre of the Lions’ successful chase.

The hosts lost Ryan Rickelton (18), Rassie van der Dussen (six) and Temba Bavuma (seven) all in quick succession, but Hendricks’ partnership with Wiaan Mulder (55* off 26 balls) was the nail in 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