Central Gauteng Lions coach Russell Domingo expects conditions to be “drier and slower” for their T20 Challenge match against the Boland Rocks in Paarl on Sunday.

The third-placed Lions will be looking to bounce back from a two-run defeat to the unbeaten EP Warriors at the Wanderers.

“We didn’t deserve to win and the Warriors thoroughly deserved their triumph,” Domingo said. “Our fielding was really poor; we were far too sloppy, and we also had a poor start with the ball and bowled too many soft balls throughout.

“Intensity and more focus in the field is really important. These days players are not just batters or bowlers, if you want to play international cricket then you have to offer more than one discipline. We have so many good players, but we’re not going to get by with average fielding.”

While the Rocks are bottom of the log, with five defeats from six matches, Domingo insists the Lions are not expecting an easy game.

“The Rocks had a good win over the Dolphins, who beat us, and we know they are going to be up for it,” he said.

“Late in the season up on the Highveld, there’s a bit of a chill in the evenings and the pitches are maybe not as hard as previously, so there is a bit of movement. The scores are not as high now and it is tricky for the batters.

“But I expect it to be drier and slower in Paarl, it could spin a bit and spinners will come into the game more. A good total could be around 150-160, and chasing might be difficult because we are playing the second match of a double-header on the same pitch.”

Western Province will take on the EP Warriors at 10am, with the Rocks and Lions meeting at 2pm.

Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Action (channel 210).

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images