The Hollywoodbets Dolphins fell agonisingly short of a CSA T20 Challenge title when the Lions beat them by seven wickets at the Wanderers on Sunday.
The Dolphins had shown great form to get themselves into a position where they made the final but were unable to replicate that form in the final.
The Dolphins batted first and had a half-century from Jason Smith to thank which got them to 165/8 in their 20 overs.
Smith top scored with 51 off 33 balls which included five fours and one six, while 37 from Khaya Zondo also played an important part.
Despite a 57 run partnership between Smith and Eathan Bosch, the Dolphins never had a stand of significance that could catapult them closer to the 180 run mark which seemed around par.
Bosch and Marques Ackerman both made 17 as the Dolphins had 166 to defend.
The first wicket partnership for the Lions was worth 37 before Okuhle Cele dismissed Ryan Rickelton for 18.
Reeza Hendricks was the rock for the Lions and made 73 not out, but the Dolphins would have felt they were in the game after the Lions lost Rassie van der Dussen AND Temba Bavuma in fairly quick succession.
Daryn Dupavillon dismissed Van der Dussen for six as the Lions were 66 for two in the eighth over of their chase.
The Lions lost their third wicket when Andile Phehlukwayo picked up the scalp of Bavuma for seven.
Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder then put together a partnership of 85 which took them over the line.
Hendricks was undefeated on 73 and Mulder finished 55 not out off 26 balls as the Lions won with 14 balls to spare.
