Johannesburg – Lions coach Geoff Toyana says they will capitalise on their ability to share the workload when they take on the Dolphins in their T20 Challenge match at the Kingsmead Stadium, on Friday.
“As a squad we have decided that we are not just going to rely on individuals and we, as a team, have to take responsibility to be successful,” Toyana said.
The Lions have notched up two impressive wins from their two matches to date, beating the Cape Cobras by nine wickets before seeing off the Titans by seven wickets.
Their batting strength has been impressive with Quinton de Kock scoring a century in the first game, while Dwaine Pretorius and Neil McKenzie combined to see the Lions to victory over the Titans.
Toyana, however, believed there was still room for improvement in his team's bowling effort.
The Cape Cobras scored 183 for five in a losing cause in Potchefstroom, while Toyana felt the Titans had scored about 18
runs too many at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday night.
“I'm not happy. We did bowl better (against the Titans) but we still made the same mistakes. On that wicket (against the Titans) 120 to 130 was about par,” he said.
“Our bowling is still a work in progress but we will have a chat about it.”
Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Lance Klusener pointed out that the Lions looked like the team to beat in the competition but believed the Dolphins had what it takes to upset the early tournament front-runners.
“They are very experienced and they are going to provide some stiff opposition,” Klusener said.
“I think if we can put them under pressure early.
“They aren't used to being under pressure, so we will see if we can do that, especially while they are batting.”
The Dolphins' first match of the season was rained out and Klusener conceded that his team would be at a disadvantage with the Lions having played two matches already.
He was nevertheless confident that his team could rise to the challenge.
“It is a bit of a concern but I think it is a mindset thing,” Klusener said.
“We had a chat about that this morning. It is about pitching up and wanting to play.” – Sapa