The Lions require 222 runs for victory against the Cobras in the first pool A match of the Momentum One Day Cup in Potchefstroom. After the Cobras made a good start in the first 20 overs, reaching a 100 runs for the loss of only two wickets, it looked like the Lions would sweat for wickets. The red clad team from Joburg though persevered in the heat and picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals to stifle the Cobras.

The Lions bowlers tightened the screws in the next couple of overs with Bjorn Fortuin, Eldred Hawken and captain, Aaron Phangiso impressing.

The Cobras’ attacking middle-order batsman, Christiaan Jonker hit a quick fire 33 in a good 50 plus partnership with Jean du Plessis, that included two sixes but his dismissal with 10 overs to go gave the Lions the upper hand again. The run out of Aviwe Mgijima and Phangiso’s lbw dismissal of Du Plessis put the Cobras on 185/7 and in dire need of runs. The Cobras finished their innings on 221 all out with Magala picking up the wicket of Corbin Bosch.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar