The Lions won the toss and justified captain Stephen Cook’s decision to field first when they bowled the Cobras out for just 169.
The Lions were in control of the match from start to finish as the Cobras failed to replicate their form in the group stages, which saw them top the log.
The home side got off to a steady start with openers Richard Levi and Andrew Puttick looking to lay a platform for the rest of the innings.
However, Levi was run out with the score at 31 thanks to instinctive fielding by Temba Bavuma, he pounced on the batsmen’s hesitation and produced a direct hit.
The run out sparked a collapse from the Cobras who lost wickets at regular intervals throughout the innings.
Captain Justin Ontong was the only Cobra batsman who made a significant impact on the day, he scored a valiant 60 but never had a partner for an extended period.
The highest partnership of the innings was his 48 run stand with Protea spinner Dane Piedt.
This was an indication of their top order’s inability to get to grips with the Lions disciplined bowling effort.
Their patient and methodical bowling performance was backed up by a quality fielding performance highlighted by Dominic Hendricks stunning catch to dismiss Wayne Parnell at backward point.
The wickets were shared amongst the Lions bowlers with Aaron Phangiso and Pumelela Matshikwe grabbing thee wickets apiece.
The Lions went into bat and much like the Cobras they had a steady beginning, captain Cook and Rassie van der Dussen took no risks but dispatched any loose balls offered up by the home side.
Van der Dussen was eventually dismissed for 29 by the impressive Wayne Parnell, his innings included five boundaries.
Alviro Petersen who is the competitions highest runs scorer joined Cook at the crease.
The Lions would have felt confident that their two most experienced batsmen were out in the middle and would safely navigate them to cup glory.
