Johannesburg - Coach Geoffrey Toyana insists the Highveld Lions are not putting too much pressure on themselves as they look to climb back into top spot in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge table.
A victory over the Dolphins at the Wanderers on Thursday will move the Lions back to the top of the standings, ahead of the Titans, and secure them a home final.
Runaway leaders at one point, the Lions dropped back to second place after two successive defeats, but Toyana was pleased they were still in contention to progress directly to the final.
“It's just another game for us even though we're under a bit of pressure now,” Toyana said.
“We know what we have to do and things are still in our own hands.”
The rookie coach, who is enjoying an exceptional debut season, found it hard to explain how they had let slip a lead that stood at close to 10 points.
“I think it's the nature of T20 cricket where momentum plays such a big role,” Toyana said.
“We started out really well and then had two bad games last week where we lost by a few runs, although in saying that, both were tight games.
“So there's no panic in the camp. We know that, if we have a good game, we're in the final and that's what we're looking forward to.”
The Dolphins are out of the running for a place in the playoffs, but Toyana said they were not expecting any favours from the visiting side.
“There's no way they will roll over easily. I know (Dolphins coach) Lance Klusener is a fighter and I expect them to give 100
percent.”
Klusener conceded the KwaZulu-Natal team were let down by a poor start to the campaign Ä they failed to win any of their first five games - but warned they were hoping to upset the Lions in their chase for top spot.
“We're in this position because we've let ourselves down this season,” Klusener said.
“But we still have one more game to play and I guess it is a chance to possibly influence where the final is played.
“That's pretty important for the teams involved and we'll give it our best shot.”
Sapa