Johanneburg – In the aftermath of Lions' comprehensive loss to the Knights in a T20 playoff match over the weekend, coach Geoffrey Toyana bemoaned his side's bowling performance.
The home team lost by eight wickets at the Wanderers, costing them a place in Friday's Ram Slam T20 final against the Cobras in Cape Town.
“I don't think we bowled well at all. It was the worst bowling performance for us of the competition this season,” Toyana said.
“We'll take it on the chin and we'll try move on.”
The Lions did not come close to defending their total of 148. With only one 50-plus partnership in their innings, and a top score of 36 from Temba Bavuma, the batting line-up fired mostly blanks to set the hosts on the back foot.
“It's a tough one to take. It was a difficult wicket up front, but we had a good start as we made 46 for two in the first six. We just didn't push on,” Toyana said.
“In the end, I thought 148 on that wicket was about par.”
The Lions began their T20 campaign in scintillating fashion winning their first five matches in a row. Explosive West Indian opener Chris Gayle was instrumental in their early dominance with two 50s and a century in his first three games and Toyana paid tribute to the exploits of his overseas professional.
“Chris Gayle was great for us in the first four or five games. He did give us that momentum up front.”
It later emerged Gayle had picked up a back injury and missed three games before the playoff and, in the process, his form disappeared.
Gayle also withdrew from the West Indies squad due to take on South Africa in a three Test series starting on December 17 in Centurion.
Toyana revealed the injury had been quite serious.
“His back has not been good, and we've tried to manage him off the field as well.
“It was tough for him because he just wants to play, but there were times when he couldn't stand.”
Gayle would hopefully turn out for the Lions again in the future, the coach said.
“He's been good for us and we've learned a lot from him.
“Hopefully he can come back because he seemed like he loved playing here.” – Sapa