All-rounder Evan Jones believes the Central Gauteng Lions’ consistency in the field was key to their defending their T20 Challenge title. KHUNULOGO MPOLOKENG reports.
Despite losing the toss and fielding in the final against the Northerns Titans at the Wanderers, the Lions bowled out their visitors for a below-par 119, before chasing down the target with eight wickets in hand and with just under five overs to spare.
It was the Lions’ second T20 Challenge title in quick succession, having also won last season’s title in April.
“I reckon it starts even before we enter the field,” said Jones. “Russell [Domingo] and the entire coaching staff are creating something special here. We’re a bunch of friends who just want to play cricket for one another and walk off the field with a victory.
“But the difference may also be our team effort, bowling-wise: I think throughout the season, bowling and fielding has carried us quite a bit.
“With the batting unit as well, if someone has an off day, there are always three or four batters who can come in and win the game. And it’s nice to play cricket like that, where there’s always a guy who can do the job on the day.
“Coach Russell always says if it’s your day, get a big score, 80-plus, that someone needs to do that in the top three or four.”
Jones bowled the final over in the final and took the key wicket of Gerald Coetzee, who finished as the Titans’ top scorer with 20, conceding just five runs in that over.
“I don’t think it will be fair if credit goes to me,” said Jones. Obviously Lutho [Sipamla], Maphaks [Kwena Maphaka], the spinners, everybody set it up for me to just come in and bowl a decent over at the end. It was a team effort.
“There weren’t many times where one bowler had an off day throughout the season, and when it did happen, the other bowlers carried him, so [it was down to] a beautiful performance from the bowlers.
“To do what we’ve done in the last seven games gives you a lot confidence coming into the game. It’s a massive confidence booster because, as you walk into the field [you realise that it’s just about] applying the skills that you’ve used game in and game out and just executing again.
“Our group is just special; spectacular. But also, maybe the Titans were tired, having played the extra game, but I don’t think so, they’re athletes.”
Jones also gave a special mention to teammate and the star of the final, Sipamla, who finished with career-best T20 figures of 4-12.
“It couldn’t have happened to a better bloke. Besides his cricket, he’s a legend of a bloke, on and off the field. He works incredibly hard; always fit, always willing to do whatever it takes.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
