Mosehle guides Lions to victory

Cape Cobras 169/6 Bizhub Highveld Lions 175/3 ● Lions won by 7 wickets THIS was a match for the pragmatists; winning was all that mattered for it was a game lacking quality from both sides.

The Lions will accept the ugly win, though. Victory was achieved with seven balls to spare but the Lions will also be aware of the enormous helping hand they got from their opponents, who were simply awful in the field.

Last week the Dolphins exposed the Cobras’ lethargy at Supersport Park and last night there was more of the same, with two catches being dropped. Adding to their awfulness in the field, the Cobras missed two wickets because of no-balls, the first of those when Mangaliso Mosehle was on 11, proving especially costly.

The Cobras score looked about 20 runs light after a disjointed batting display. There will be serious question marks over Richard Levi’s continued presence in the team, for not only is he a liability in the field – he dropped a sitter at slip – but in two innings he’s contributed just seven runs.

Hashim Amla (36) and Wayne Parnell (33), promoted to no.3 in the order following his return to the side, shared a stand of 75 for the second wicket with Parnell’s an innings packed with agricultural shots.

They were both dismissed in the 10th over by skipper Aaron Phangiso, slowing the visitors’ momentum. JP Duminy made 55 (31b, 3x4, 2x6), as he sought to regain the initiative, but two excellent overs in the 19th and 20th by Kagiso Rabada (2/19) and Wiaan Mulder (1/23) in which they conceded just 11 runs gave the Lions a boost.

Mosehle gave himself some extra time to get settled and it paid off. He shared a 63-run stand for the third wicket with Omphile Ramela.

They added 54 between the 11th and 14th overs – the Cobras ill-discipline again a feature with Parnell bowling three wides in the 11th over – which proved decisive. Mosehle eventually made 55 (36b, 4xz4, 3x6). – Stuart Hess

● The match between the Dolphins and the Knights was abandoned due to rain at Kingsmead in Durban.

● Warriors v Titans (East London): Toss: Warriors. Titans 172/4 (20 ov) Warriors 111 all out (14.2 ov) Result: Titans won by 61 runs