Lions and Warriors look to keep the pressure on the Cobras
AFTER handing top- of- the- log Cobras their first defeat of the four-day competition, the Lions have emerged as serious contenders for the Sunfoil Series title.
The Gauteng-based side have now won their last two games and will be looking to keep that momentum for their last four matches.
But despite the humbling loss inside of three days, the Cobras still enjoy a 11.68-point lead over second-placed Warriors and a 14.94 lead over the Lions.
All six teams will be in action from Thursday in a round that could see major changes in the log standings.
If the Cobras were to lose to the Dolphins they face the possibility of losing their top spot to the Warriors, granted that the Eastern Cape franchise defeat the Knights.
A Cobras defeat will also be encour- aging for the Lions, who will face bottom-of-the-log Titans and with a bonus point-laden victory could also leapfrog the Cape side.
After the round of matches on Thursday the Lions will once again face the Titans in order for both teams to catch up on the rest in terms of games played. Both teams have played fewer matches than the other franchises due to their commitment to the T20 Champions League earlier in the season.
The chasing pair of the Warriors and Lions will be looking to keep the pressure on the Cobras till the last round of matches, which will start on February 7. Any slip by the Cape Town side in their last three matches could spell disaster for the team that has topped the log since the early stages of the tournament.
Cobras coach Paul Adams has emphasised on various occasions throughout the season that the key to success for his team lies in a combina- tion of mental strength and hours on the training field.
Adams will be looking to his senior players to help the team bounce back from their first loss and would have been encouraged by the defiant 88 scored by middle order batsman Qaasim Adam.
Proteas star Jacques Kallis could be available for the Cobras for the next match with the all-rounder being rested for the international one-day series against New Zealand.
Veteran all-rounder Justin Kemp should also be fit for the Dolphins clash, after missing the last two matches through a hamstring injury, and will be looking to play a major role.
Kemp said: “I would love to get back in the side and do a good job for them as soon as I can.”
The Knights added to Titans’ woes this season by defeating the defending champions by 10 wickets in Benoni yesterday.