Ontong lifts the Lions

Justin Ontong produced the heroics as he lifted the Highveld Lions to a last-ball victory over the Nashua Cape Cobras in their Standard Bank Pro20 match at the Wanderers on Friday. All seemed lost for the Lions as they staggered to 120 for 6 after 15 overs, chasing 182, but Ontong answered their call as he charged to 43 off just 21 balls as the Lions snatched a thrilling two-wicket victory.

The Cobras will face accusations of choking because it was a game they looked to have wrapped up, but they dropped four catches and their ground fielding and bowling was poor in the last five overs. Ontong showed the skills and composure that once made him a national player as he and Eugene Moleon took the 12 runs they needed off Alan Dawson's last over, even though Ontong was bowled off the penultimate delivery.

Werner Coetsee also produced a heroic innings of 33 off 23 balls, sharing the vital seventh-wicket stand of 68 off 39 balls, before he was stumped off Adam Bacher with two overs remaining. Charl Willoughby had earlier strangled the Lions run-chase at birth as he picked up the first three wickets inside the first six overs, but the innings was boosted by bright knocks by Vaughn van Jaarsveld (31) and Tyron Henderson (22).

Earlier, Bacher had laid the foundation for the Cobras' total of 181 for 6 after they won the toss and chose to bat first, charging to 85 off just 54 balls. Henry Davids also provided impetus up front as he slammed 34 off 15 balls and Vernon Philander finished well with 21 not out off 15 balls.

Offspinner Coetsee stopped the flow of runs effectively as he bowled four overs for 21 runs, while paceman Gerhard de Bruin kept running in hard and had three wickets to crow about, conceding just 25 runs in his four overs. Nevertheless, the Cobras' total seemed secure as the Lions made a thorny start, before the Cobras lost their way at the death and Ontong led the home side to a thrilling triumph.