The Highveld Lions won the toss and sent the Warriors in to bat in the Momentum One-Day Cup eliminator at the Wanderers on Wednesday afternoon.

But 10 overs into the match, with two wickets down and 27 on the board, the rain came, forcing a delay. When they returned, the overs had been reduced to 41.

The Lions must have the edge with home advantage, having bragging rights after beating the Warriors in the only time they met in the league phase, albeit by just four runs. The return match was washed out.

At least the Lions started out on the right foot in their bid to meet the Cape Cobras in the grand final at Newlands on Sunday. The sky was grey and overcast, promising some early movement.

But the Lions’ hopes were slightly set back by the loss of Temba Bavuma and Eddie Leie to injury, countered in part by the return of Dwaine Pretorius and the confirmation that Hardus Viljoen was fit and raring to go.

The Warriors were also lifted by Colin Ingram, who came through a late fitness test, overcoming back and ankle problems.

Highveld Lions: Cook, VD Dussen, Petersen, Hendricks, Fortuin, VD Bergh, Pretorius, Pongolo, Viljoen, Phangiso, Matshikwe
Warriors: Ackermann, Smuts, Ingram, Vallie, Jonker, Nqolo, Fortuin, Birch, Magala, Gqamane, Walters.