Albie Morkel took 3-12 to give the Titans the perfect start against the Lions in an eight-wicket win at SuperSport Park.
It was the much-anticipated Jukskei derby of the doubleheader Ram Slam T20 Sunday in Centurion.
Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Aiden Markram, Farhaan Behardien, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Dwaine Pretorius were some of the Proteas players on display. But it was Titans captain, Morkel, who stole the show with a Man of the Match performance.
After seeing the Dolphins post 231-2 to claim a victory against a Proteas-loaded Cobras lineup earlier in the day, the Lions opted to take advantage of the flat wicket by batting first.
The 36-year-old all-rounder set the tone for his side, taking a double in his first over and a scalp in his third to see the Lions stunned at 18-3.
Morkel removed Rassie van der Dussen and Mangaliso Mosehle for a duck, followed by the wicket of promising 21-year-old Marques Ackermann. The Titans’ skipper finished with 3-12 and an economy rate of 4.00.
Rain interrupted play, knocking off five overs as the Lions were reduced to 127-6 in 15 overs.
Morkel showed intent after the wicket of De Kock, walking out at No 3 with the hosts on 42-1. A feisty batting display saw him smash five sixes and a four, for his 16-ball 41* to help the Titans claim a win.
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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
