JOHANNESBURG – Malusi Siboto proved to be the key bowler on the final morning after his three wickets helped the Imperial Lions wrap up an innings and 15-run victory over the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter in Johannesburg on Thursday.
The seamer was the pick of the bowlers with three for 59 as the defending champions needed a touch over 25 overs to claim the remaining five wickets of the visitors and close out a second win out of four in 2019/20.
It was an important result too and one that allowed the home side to climb up top of the table in what was the final match before a break in the calendar for the Mzansi Super League that starts next week. For the visitors, they remained winless and bottom of the competition standings.
The hosts held all the aces going into the final day – a big lead and five wickets already in the bag.
In Case You Missed It 👀
The Imperial Lions only needed to bat once at they saw off @DolphinsCricket by an innings and 15 runs. @Rassie72 was named player of the match for his contribution of 154* #LIOvDOL #4DaySeries #LionsCharge🦁 pic.twitter.com/bASdvAo8kv
— Lions Cricket (@LionsCricketSA) October 31, 2019
And they wasted little time in striking when the Dolphins resumed on 173 for five, with Siboto dismissing key man Sibonelo Makhanya leg before wicket in the second over for 76 (144 balls, 13 fours), one more than his overnight 75.
The other day three not out man, Andile Phehlukwayo (12), fell to Migael Pretorius (2/41) shortly after, before Keith Dudgeon (13) was bowled by Nono Pongolo (2/60).
Robbie Frylinck (25) offered some resistance, but Siboto returned to have him caught behind after also sending Lwandiswa Zuma (5) packing.
It left the Dolphins all out in 73.5 overs and with a second defeat in four.