Rain had the final say as the Bizhub Lions’ hopes of victory were dashed in Potchefstroom on Friday night when they lost their T20 Challenge match against the VKB Knights by 3 runs (D/L).

This was the same margin that the Lions had previously beaten the Cobras by, in their previous encounter at Senwes Park. The tables had now been turned.

The Knights thoroughly deserved the victory after a fantastic bowling and fielding display from the likes of Mbulelo Budaza with 1/10 in his four overs and Corné Dry with 2/27, restriction the Lions to 125/8 in their 20 overs.

Budaza was a handful with his left arm seam and produced the delivery of the match to bowl Lions batsman Nicky van den Bergh. Rudi Second (52*) and Leus du Plooy (39) guided the Knights to a comfortable win with a big 81-run partnership as the Lions bowlers could not get past their resolute defence.

The Lions though did not let that defeat steal their energy as they charged to a brilliant 22 run win against the Cobras in Paarl on Sunday.

Ikageng born, Eddie Leie, was the hero for the Lions as he took 4/26 with his leg spin.  Rassie van der Dussen continued with his good form as he hit his third half century of the competition with a belligerent and attacking 56. This was an important win as it kept the Lions in the competition.

The Lions will now face the Warriors on Tuesday night (13 December) in a do or die semi-final at St.Georges Park in Port Elizabeth.

The winner will face the Titans in the final on Friday, 16 December at Supersport Park in Centurion