A career-best 83 by Heino Kuhn set the Titans on their way to a lop-sided 42-run bonus-point victory over rivals the Highveld Lions in their T20 Challenge opener at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The veteran batsman clubbed four fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 52-ball innings that took the visitors to their highest ever score of 194/4 in the Jukskei derby.

Another seasoned campaigner, the Titans captain Albie Morkel, then claimed 3/12 in an outstanding four overs to help the defending champions restrict the Lions to 152/8.

It was an excellent showing from the Centurion-based franchise, who lost the toss and were asked to bat in the second match of a double-header at the venue.

Kuhn batted through the innings, and despite the early dismissals of Henry Davids (8) and Grant Mokoena (4) by Hardus Viljoen (2/34), managed to thwart the home bowlers. He added 48 for the third wicket with Qaasim Adams (22), 74 for the fourth wicket with Morkel (30) and an unbroken 56 with Farhaan Behardien (37 not out) for the fifth wicket to take the Titans to their record total.

The Lions lost Reeza Hendricks (6) retired hurt in the opening over and they never recovered. Rassie van der Dussen fought a lone hand for most of the way with his bludgeoning 51 (28 balls, 2 fours, 5 sixes), while Viljoen plundered his highest T20 score of 41 from 26 balls later on.

Titans skipper Morkel received good support from Lungi Ngidi (2/42) and Malusi Siboto (2/21) as the 2015 winners began the season with a statement of intent. Their next game is this week against the Capa Cobras, which will be played at Boland Park in Paarl.

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East

Rekord North

Rekord Centurion

Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord onFacebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram