Despite career-best bowling figures from Faf du Plessis, the Lions remained top of the log clinching a 16-run victory over the Titans in their T20 Challenge match at the Wanderers on Sunday.
Du Plessis conceded 28 runs for his first five-wicket haul in the 20-over format in an effort that was not enough to ensure victory for the Pretoria-based franchise.
Chasing a modest 164, the Titans needed 23 runs off the last over.
It was an improbable task for their tailenders facing experienced Australian fast bowler Dirk Nannes.
The Titans started well and looked likely to achieve their target but some effective Lions bowling put the brakes on in the middle overs.
In Particular were efforts from Chris Morris' match-winning figures of 4/24 and 1/26 from Aaron Phangiso.
A cameo innings from Farhaan Behardien, who hammered 48 runs off 26 balls, nearly turned the match in favour of the visitors.
Well behind the run rate, Behardien put away three massive sixes off Dwaine Pretorius' last over, which increased the tension for a short period.
Sent in to bat, the Lions were cruising at 97 for two after losing the early wickets of Vandiar (17) and Bodi (4).
Youngster Quinton de Kock and veteran Neil McKenzie combined to score 79 runs off 49 balls for the third wicket before Du Plessis changed the complexion of the innings.
Du Plessis had De Kock (40) caught at deep backward point by Behardien off his first delivery, attempting a reverse sweep.
The big hitting De Kock had faced 23 balls and smashed four huge sixes.
In the same over, Dwaine Pretorius (4) was dismissed playing a poor shot.
At the end of his second over, Du Plessis had dismissed McKenzie (48), while Morris was bowled for eight.
Thami Tsolekile (4) became the fifth scalp for the leg spinner in his third and final over.
Jean Symes scored an unbeaten 32 to ensure the Lions reached a defendable 163/7. – Sapa