Captain Temba Bavuma welcomed the Man of the Match award after the Lions beat the Titans by eight wickets in Wednesday’s One-Day Cup win at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

Pursuing a staunch 310-run target, Bavuma’s commanding 117 not out led the Lions to triumph with three overs to spare. He was well-supported by opener Reeza Hendricks’ complementary 95, and middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen’s unbeaten 46.

‘Having won the toss and chosen to bowl first, we knew it was going to get easier to bat out there as the game went along. We capitalised after getting them to about 40 for four, but were disappointed to let them get to over 300 in the end,’ said Bavuma.

‘It was good batting with Reeza and Rassie. They are the kingpins and they have the calmness and clarity that was needed. The platform was put in by the guys at the top and I just had to keep the momentum going. Reeza was unfortunate not to get a ton. But then Rassie and I were able to show a clinical performance with the bat.’

The Lions were in danger of being ruled out of contention for a semi-final berth after collecting two defeats and as many washouts. Wednesday’s result, however, has kept them in the running. They will face the Warriors at Buffalo Park in East London on Friday, but will be without Hendricks and Van der Dussen, who will soon join the Proteas for March’s ODI series against Sri Lanka.

‘The start of our campaign was not ideal. We needed some momentum and I would like to think that this game has given us that. We are going to lose Reeza and Rassie, so whoever comes in will need to do well,’ he added.

‘It is a cliche, but we are just going to take it game by game from here. We are still trying to find our right way forward with our game. We can then look to win more matches.’

Photo: Gallo