HENDRICKS, MULDER GUIDE LIONS TO DOMESTIC T20 TITLE

Betway SA20 stars Reeza Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder were stars of the show as the Lions added the 2023-24 CSA T20 Challenge trophy to their cabinet over the weekend.

Joburg Super Kings batter Hendricks (73*) and Durban's Super Giants allrounder Wiaan Mulder (55*) led the Johannesburg-based side to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Dolphins in the final played at their Wanderers home ground.

Put in to bat at the Bullring, the Dolphins initially found themselves on the back foot following the run-out of Bryce Parsons (3) and Jon-Jon Smuts (7) being caught off the bowling of Lions skipper Bjorn Fortuin.

Despite the early setbacks, opener Khaya Zondo (37) and Marques Ackerman (17) began laying a solid platform. However, their efforts were short-lived as Nqaba Peter (1/42) trapped Zondo lbw and Evan Jones had Ackerman caught by Mulder at mid-on.

Lutho Sipamla then clean-bowled Andile Phehlukwayo before Fortuin (2/24) returned to dismiss Tshepang Dithole, both for just 10 runs each.

Dolphins needed a gritty half-century from Jason Smith to keep their innings afloat, forming a crucial 57-run partnership with Eathan Bosch (17) to propel the Durban-based side to a competitive total of 165/8.

Jason Smith and Bjorn Fortuin were stars of the Dolphins innings, before Reeza Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder guided Lions to the title

Hendricks anchored the Lions' chase after the early dismissals of MI Cape Town duo Ryan Rickelton (18) and Rassie van der Dussen (6), as well as Sunrisers Eastern Cape's Temba Bavuma (7), which brought Mulder to the crease.

He showed the composure with the ball which was on display throughout SA20 Season 2, and together with Hendricks compiled an elegant 85-run partnership. In doing so, they guided the Lions to a second title of the season to go with the CSA 4-Day Series trophy they picked up in February.