The Lions saw their hopes of ending the top of the Momentum One-Day Cup table ended on Tuesday after their penultimate regular-season clash against the Knights was abandoned due to rain in Bloemfontein.
The visitors needed to win the game to have any chance of bumping the Dolphins off the number one position – and with it earning the right to host the final should they get there.
However, the weather had the final say, although even if they did play more than the 42.2 overs that were possible, their victory chances looked slim following a poor batting display.
The best the Lions can now hope for is to finish second and host one of the two last-four encounters as their 24 points are too far behind the Dolphins (30).
The two log points gained by the Knights, meanwhile, means they stay fourth on 17 points, but know they will have to beat defending champions the Titans (14) in their final game to guarantee progress. The Warriors (19) presently occupy third place.
The game itself at the Mangaung Oval saw the hosts dominate as they had the visitors in trouble at 188/7 after winning the toss and bowling before persistent rain ended proceedings.
Almost all the bowlers impressed, with Shaun von Berg the pick of them with 2/43 in 10 overs.
The lanky Marco Jansen had one for 21, Mbulelo Budaza 1/27 and Patrick Kruger the same numbers as the latter.
Ryan Rickelton top-scored for the Lions with 62 (68 balls, six fours) and Dominic Hendricks struck 48. There was also a noteworthy 23 by Wiaan Mulder on his return from injury.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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