The Dragons returned to winning ways with a convincing 65-run victory (DLS method) against the Lions. Batting first, they posted an imposing 310/6 in their allotted 49 overs, with captain Wihan Lubbe leading from the front. Lubbe smashed 80 off 64 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes. Matthew Kleinveldt continued his fine form with a well-played 64 off 61 balls, while Lesiba Ngoepe contributed 53 off 39. Opener Rubin Hermann also played a solid knock, scoring 47.

For the Lions, young Proteas spinner Nqabayomzi Peter was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3/73 in his 10 overs.

Matthew Kleinveldt and Wihan Lubbe. Photo: Dragons

In response, the Lions found themselves in trouble as early as the second ball of their innings when seamer Kerwin Mungroo trapped Muhammad Manack LBW for a duck. Wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen fought back with a valiant 59 off 54 balls, while Mitchell van Buuren scored 50 off 47. Zubayr Hamza chipped in with 45, but his efforts were in vain as the Lions were bowled out for 249 in 45.2 overs.

All-rounder Ruan de Swardt was the standout bowler for the Dragons, taking 3/34 in 8.2 overs. Mungroo also impressed with figures of 3/36 in eight overs, while spinner Caleb Seleka picked up 2/62.

Jordan Hermann. Photo: Morgan Piek

The victory lifted the Dragons to second place on the log, trailing the unbeaten Boland, who hold a five-point lead. Boland will look to extend their advantage when they face the Knights in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. The Knights, who briefly moved up to third after their emphatic 157-run win over Western Province, have since dropped to fourth.

Meanwhile, North West face a tricky home fixture on Wednesday when they take on the Warriors at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom. The clash will be particularly intriguing as the in-form Hermann brothers – Rubin (Dragons) and Jordan (Warriors) – go head-to-head with the bat.

All of Wednesday’s games are scheduled to get underway at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg