Johannesburg - The Titans bowlers put the squeeze on the Lions batsmen when it mattered most as they earned a 10-run victory in their domestic T20 match at Senwes Park, in Potchefstroom, on Friday.
The Lions needed a moderate 63 runs from the last eight overs with nine wickets in hand thanks to a free-wheeling start to the chase by Quinton de Kock and Gulam Bodi, but hardly got close as the Titans bowlers restricted them.
The Lions were arguably guilty of dying wondering as they finished on 148 for three, having failed to have a full go in the final few overs.
It was clear from the start of the game that the pitch was slower than it perhaps appeared, but the Titans were still willing to go after the Lions bowlers and were rewarded for their efforts with six sixes to the Lions' three.
Henry Davids (36), Graeme van Buuren (55) and Farhaan Behardien (34) all scored at well over a run a ball, which proved enough despite the fact that none of their team mates made it to double figures in a total of 158 for nine.
By contrast the Lions top five all made 14 or more but De Kock (52 from 39 balls) was the only one to score at the required rate or better.
He and Bodi put on 84 in 10 overs for the first wicket, but when the pair fell in the space of 14 deliveries, the sting was taken out of the Lions batting as the Titans tightened the screws.
Morne Morkel went wicketless but was still the pick of the bowlers with figures of none for 14 from four overs, while Roelof van der Merwe claimed 2 for 32 - including the vital wicket of De Kock.
The Lions have now lost all four of their matches in the tournament, while the Titans moved into second place with 12 points - five behind the Cape Cobras. - Sapa