Lions set up final against the Warriors after downing Cobras

The final of the 2026 YesPlay Pro20 Cup will be contested by the DP World Lions and Dafabet Warriors, after the two emerged from the semi-finals over YesPlay Cobras and Dafabet Boland respectively earlier today.

The Lions defeated the Cobras by 16 runs in the second of those semi-finals with the Warriors lying in wait after winning their match in the morning at YesPlay Newlands.

The Johannesburg-based side chose to bat first after winning the toss and made good use of the batting conditions, with Richard Seletswane and Bjorn Fortuin sharing an opening stand of 42 until Raeeq Daniels combined with Daniel Smith to get rid of Fortuin for 29 runs.

Seletswane then put together a 73-run stand with Rassie van der Dussen, who later departed for 24 off 22.

With about three overs to go the opener hooked one up into the sky off Oliver Whitehead and was caught by keeper Kyle Verreynne to bring to an end a fine innings for a top score of 78.

Connor Esterhuizen also played well for his 38 as they pushed for a 194-run total at the change of innings.

Buoyed by the partisan home crowd, Jiveshan Pillay and Kashief Josephs looked to set a solid base for the Cobras’ chase when they got to 36 without loss before Josephs departed for 20 off Codi Yusuf.

Siya Plaatjie then got the faintest edge from Pillay who was caught behind by Esterhuizen for 25, while Nqaba Peter joined the wickets column after trapping Verreynne leg before.

George Linde was dropped by Peter on 32 and while he went on to make his 50, the 24-year-old made amends as he finally got him out on 59.

That proved to be the pivotal moment in the game as they ran thin on resistance, with wickets falling rapidly in the pursuit of their target.

The Lions will then have very little time to rest as the final against Warriors get underway at 6.30pm, where the competition will culminate in the crowning of the YesPlay Pro20 Cup champions.