The Central Gauteng Lions will go head-to-head with Western Province in the One-Day Cup final at the Wanderers on Thursday.

The table-topping Lions, who qualified to host the final with two round-robin games in hand, will look to defend their title at the bullring against a WP side that is hungry for silverware.

Province qualified for the final when they claimed a convincing victory against the Boland Rocks in their last round-robin match.

“It is important for us to get silverware as we have been playing good cricket over the last two seasons, especially in white ball cricket,” said WP captain Wayne Parnell. “Our challenge was making it to the playoff positions and playing the final.

“We now have the opportunity to go all the way, and that will provide good opportunities for the young players to build something special.

“We know it will not be easy against the log leaders and we are expecting a tough match against a quality side. Our messaging throughout the season has been to keep things basic and play good cricket, and that’s what we will continue to do.”

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Lions captain Dominic Hendricks is hoping for a good turnout at the Wanderers.

“We are truly happy to be in the final, and to bring it in front of our Johannesburg crowd. It has been an incredible campaign,” said Hendricks.

“On many occasions, we have seen different members of the team put their hands up and deliver Man of the Match performances.

“I believe the key to our success was dominating those opening games at home and we were able to take that on our away matches. I am confident we will continue with the good work on Thursday.

“Retaining this trophy will show us how good the group has been in the past few years, especially in this format.”

The final will start at 13:00 and be broadcast on SuperSport Cricket (212).