Lion-Cachet reflects on guiding Titans into 1-Day Cup final against Lions
- Cricket SA
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The Momentum Multiply Titans will travel across the Jukskei to face the DP World Lions at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in the 1-Day Cup final on Sunday (10am).
Keagan Lion-Cachet helped steer Titans into the 2025/26 final with an unbeaten 57 in their four-wicket victory over the Dafabet Warriors in mid-week’s Qualifier.
Chasing 205, the Titans were well-positioned but still required a steady hand in the closing stages after slipping to 127/5.
Lion-Cachet rose to the occasion, sharing a crucial partnership with Duan Jansen (30) to guide the Centurion-based side home.
Reflecting on the victory, Lion-Cachet highlighted the team’s composure under pressure and their collective belief throughout the competition.
“It was quite a close qualifier but I think throughout the tournament we’ve had a really good mindset about what we want to achieve. The confidence in the team is high going into the final and I know the boys will reflect and see where we can improve but we’re very excited for what’s ahead.”
Walking in during a tense phase of the chase, Lion-Cachet credited the calm environment in the middle and the support of his batting partners for helping him settle.
“No-one dropped their heads. We were always in a good position and confident as a unit. It was just about staying calm and backing each other.”
The Titans’ journey to the final has not been without its challenges, including several weather-affected fixtures but Lion-Cachet believes the squad has handled those obstacles well.
“Rain is something you can’t control, so it’s about how you deal with it and adapt. We’ve managed to do that well as a team and stayed focused on our plans,” he added.
With a final set against the Lions, Lion-Cachet acknowledged the challenge ahead but remains optimistic.
“It’s a big derby coming up. Different conditions, different pitch, so we’ll prepare as best we can. We’ll stick to our processes and bring our best on the day.
“It would mean a lot to bring the trophy home to Centurion. We’ve worked hard to get here, and hopefully we can finish the job,” he added.
The Titans have one eye firmly fixed on the ultimate prize - a record-extending 22nd provincial trophies.
The Titans enter the final backed by one of South African cricket’s most decorated provincial track records, having a total of 21 trophies across all formats of the domestic game. The stage is set. Sunday's final screams opportunity, a chance to violently seize another chapter for their storied legacy. Against their monumental, big-game experience, other contenders simply falter.
Adding a compelling edge to Sunday’s clash, the Titans will go head-to-head with the Lions, the same opponents they faced in the T20 Challenge Final in the 2024/25 season. The Titans will be eager to settle unfinished business against a Lions outfit they know all too well.
Over the past 15 years, the Titans have consistently been one of the most dominant teams in domestic cricket across all formats. In the 1-Day Cup, the Titans have featured in six finals, winning four titles in the 2013/14 (shared), 2014/15, 2016/17 and 2018/19 seasons.
Their dominance extends to the CSA 4-Day Franchise Series, where the Titans have competed in 10 finals over the last 15 years, emerging victorious five times in the 2011/12, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2022/23, and 2024/25 (shared) seasons.
In the T20 Challenge, the Titans have also enjoyed significant success, winning five of the nine finals they have featured in, claiming titles in the 2011/12, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2021/22 seasons.
Titans head coach Rivash Gobind praised the team’s performance and emphasised their determination heading into the final.
“We’re extremely proud of the way the team fought to secure a place in the final. The character, discipline and hunger shown by the players throughout the competition has been outstanding. Finals are always special, and this group has worked incredibly hard to
earn this opportunity. We know what is at stake and the team is excited to go out there and hunt for our 22nd trophy. It’s another big occasion for the Momentum Multiply Titans and we’re looking forward to the challenge against the DP World Lions,” said Gobind.
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