Morkel and Kuhn give Titans winning start

A strong all-round performance from Titans' captain Albie Morkel ensured the defending champions got their campaign off to a winning start. Morkel shared in the highest partnership of the innings - 74 runs - with top-scorer Heino Kuhn for the fourth wicket, and then derailed Lions' chase of 195 with 3 for 12.

After being sent in, Titans slumped to 16 for 2 within three overs. Kuhn and Qaasim Adams put on 48 before Kuhn and Morkel launched a mid-innings assault. Kuhn's fifty came off 34 balls and he stayed unbeaten on 83 off 52 balls, including four fours and four sixes. Allrounder Willem Mulder took the most punishment - his four overs went for 56. South Africa finisher Farhaan Behardien did the same job for his franchise and blasted 37 not out off 17 balls to take the Titans close to 200.

In reply, Lions lost regular wickets and collapsed to 94 for 7. Morkel, Lungi Ngidi and Malusi Siboto combined well and carved their way through the Lions line-up. Opener Rassie van der Dussen counterattacked with 51 off 28 balls and was only supported by No. 9 Hardus Viljoen. The latter's 41 off 26 balls was the only other score over 11 in the Lions' innings as they failed to keep pace.