The Cobras will face the Lions as third-placed takes on last-placed in the One Day Cup at Boland Park on Friday.

The Cobras will reach the half-way mark of their campaign having played one game more than their Gauteng opponents. Their head-to-head battle saw them face each other 26 times, with the Cape side winning 17, the Lions claiming seven and four ending with no result.

In the Cobras’ last clash, they emerged victorious against the Dolphins who sit at the summit of the log and will hope that confidence will boost them in their hunt for a playoff spot.

Wicketkeeper Dane Vilas, who was one of the stars of the win along with Rory Kleinveldt, reflected on his side’s performance last time out.

‘We kept on losing wickets in the middle, but I always hoped we would be able to bat until the last two overs because if we did that, we had a realistic chance to clinch it,’ said Vilas.

‘It is always easier to get over the line when you have a big hitter on the other side of the wicket who can clear the boundary with ease, like Rory Kleinveldt.’

The pair shared an unbeaten 36-run stand from a little over four overs to win the game, and Dane Piedt praised the all-rounder’s performance.

‘Kleinveldt has been an important cricketer for the Cobras the past 10 to 15 years,’ Cobras captain explained. ‘His batting has come on in leaps and bounds. Dane Vilas was also excellent.’

The Paarl track is expected to aid spin heavily, and Vilas is aware of the effect that the conditions will have on the game.

‘I suspect that due to the fact that it has not rained and it is very hot in Paarl, it might be a bit tough to bat on Friday,’ Vilas added. ‘It might be on the slow side and dry.’

The Lions will look to pick themselves off the bottom of the log and recover from their 109-run loss on Sunday in the Jukskei derby.