Clinical Titans overpower Lions in Hollywoodbets Pro20

The Fidelity Titans maintained their perfect record in this season’s Hollywoodbets Pro Series after claiming a commanding 10-wicket victory over the DP World Lions in the Hollywoodbets Pro20 Series in Centurion on Sunday.

Laura Wolvaardt smashed a 41-ball 91, which included 11 fours and six sixes, in an unbeaten opening stand with Anneke Bosch (42* off 24 balls; 6x4, 1x6), as the Titans made light work of the set target, surpassing the winning score within 10.4 overs.

Earlier, Tazmin Brits recorded a half-century worth 60 off 41 deliveries (10x4, 1x6), with Karabo Meso also adding a crucial 34 to help the Lions post 132/6 after 20 overs against the Eliz-Mari Marx-led Titans bowling attack. The bowling all-rounder walked away with figures of three for 26 to help set up the victory for her side.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Titans faced an early onslaught from Brits as she combined well with opening partner Neo Molefe (18) to take the Lions to 75/0 in the 10th over before Paulinah Mashishi (1/22) made the breakthrough.

Although Brits raised her bat for a deserved fifty, the Lions struggled to keep their momentum with the bat. The hosts capitalised on their opportunities, and despite a skilful knock from Meso, the Lions continued losing wickets at regular intervals after the drinks break, with Marx the chief destroyer.

Marx dismissed her three national teammates in Brits, Chloé Tryon (3) and Shabnim Ismail (1), ably supported by Masabata Klaas (1/22) and Luyanda Nzuza (1/19), to restrict the Lions to 132/6 at the end of the innings.

Despite boasting an experienced bowling attack, the Lions were no match for the Titans’ first-wicket partnership of Wolvaardt and Bosch. The duo raced to 69/0 at the end of the PowerPlay, with Wolvaardt leading the charge and quickly bringing up her second fifty in as many Pro20 games.

With victory in sight, the Titans pair bludgeoned the next 4.4 overs for an incredible 68 runs, including numerous boundaries, to wrap up proceedings in the 11th over, with Bosch dispatching a six to reach 137/0 with 56 balls to spare.

This result leaves the Titans top of the Pro20 Series log with eight points after being the only side to have played and won two matches, while the Lions continue the search of their first win after a rained out match in Week 1.