The DP World Lions clinched a commanding 43-run victory over the Dafabet Warriors in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday, fuelled by Ryan Rickelton’s impressive half-century of 52 runs off just 38 deliveries.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Warriors aimed to put pressure on their visitors. However, Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks had other plans as they kickstarted the Lions’ innings with a stellar 58-run partnership. Hendricks’ contribution came to an end at 31 runs, courtesy of Siya Simetu.

Despite facing regular setbacks following the opening partnership, the Lions managed to muster a competitive total of 152/9.

Nealan van Heerden shone for the Warriors’ bowling unit, returning impressive figures of 4/23.

The Lions’ bowling attack, led by Wiaan Mulder (4/14), immediately put the hosts on the back foot. Lutho Sipamla initiated the onslaught by dismissing Warriors’ skipper, Matthew Breetzke, for 16 runs.

Mulder then wreaked havoc, claiming key wickets including Jiveshan Pillay (7), Jordan Herman (6), Liam Alder (19), and Simetu (8).

The Warriors struggled to build any significant partnerships as wickets continued to tumble, eventually succumbing to a total of 109 runs, with the Lions’ bowling attack proving too formidable to overcome.

Earlier, Gbets Rocks overcame AET Tuskers with a seven-wicket win in a pivotal bottom of the table clash in Paarl.

The Tuskers were tasked with setting the tone as they took to the crease first but found themselves contained to a modest 119/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite notable efforts from Kyle Nipper, who notched up 36 runs, and Michael Erlank (32), and Ntando Zuma contributing a solid 21, the Tuskers struggled to build momentum.

Rocks’ bowlers, spearheaded by Siyabonga Mahima with figures of 3/17, and supported by Imraan Manack who claimed 2/20, orchestrated a relentless attack on the Tuskers’ batting lineup, ensuring they were kept within reach of a manageable target.

Chasing 120, Keegan Petersen led with a stellar 57 runs for the Rocks upfront. Petersen found solid support from Shaun von Berg, whose unbeaten 37* provided crucial stability, guiding the Rocks to victory with 14 balls to spare.

Despite the Tuskers’ efforts to defend their total, with Mbulelo Budaza emerging as their most successful bowler with figures of 2/15, claiming the key wickets of Clyde Fortuin and Adrian du Toit, it was Kurtlyn Mannikam who secured the prized scalp of Petersen.