Ram Slam Finals so far: how Cape Cobras became champions
Sunday 8 November 2015 13:21, UK
Cape Cobras begin the defence of their Ram Slam T20 Challenge crown on Sunday against bizhub Highveld Lions.
But how did Justin Ontong's side claim the title and who produced the goods when it mattered in the previous two finals?
Here's what you might have missed so far…
2014/15 - Cape Cobras 158-4 beat Knights 125-9 by 33 runs
The Cobras didn't make the best of starts at Newlands as Richard Levi was run out by Rilee Rossouw's brilliant throw, but Dane Vilas and Hashim Amla stepped things up a gear with a run-a-ball innings before Omphile Ramela cut loose to bludgeon 54 off 34 balls, putting on 68 with Kieron Pollard (43no off 23 balls). Reeza Hendricks (41 off 35) and Rossouw (33 off 23) gave the Knights every chance of chasing down the target but the next best score was Tumelo Bodibe's 13no as Dane Paterson (4-33) ran through the order, dismissing Rudi Second and Andre Russell in successive deliveries…
2013/14 - Dolphins 146-8 beat Cape Cobras 144-7 by two runs
Skipper Morne van Wyk led the way with 47 off 45 balls after opting to bat first, but this final truly came alive at the end as the Cobras failed to score 14 off the last over, bowled by Robbie Frylinck. With Justin Kemp at the wicket the Cobras had every chance - especially after the first ball of the over went for four - but Frylinck held his nerve and his line and with six needed off the final ball, Kemp found the rope but couldn't clear it. The narrow margin of victory underlined the importance of Van Wyk's knock for the Dolphins, who struggled to put the match beyond their rivals as Jacques Kallis returned 4-26. Stiaan van Zyl (46 off 41 balls) and Sybrand Engelbrecht (56 off 39) ensured Cobras stayed within spitting range without delivering the fatal blow…
2012/13 - Highveld Lions 155-5 beat Titans 125 all out by 30 runs
Titans coach Matthew Maynard was denied the dream send off in his final match in charge as the Lions successfully defended a modest target with each of their five bowlers chipping in with two wickets. The Lions, who chose to bat, were given a dream start by Quinton de Kock (44 off 31 balls) but, despite a breezy 39 from Neil McKenzie, never quite cut loose against an attack featuring the Morkel brothers. That mattered not a jot as no Titans batsman eclipsed Herschelle Gibbs' 22 - his exit, bowled middle stump by Chris Morris, effectively ending the Titans' dream at 87-5. Aaron Phangiso (2-22) took the bowler of the match honours and deservedly so after trapping AB de Villiers lbw for just four…
Live Ram Slam T20 Cricket
Watch the Warriors take on the Knights in the tournament opener from 10am on Sky Sports 5, then don't miss Titans against Dolphins at 1.30pm. At the conclusion of that match, our coverage will continue with the conclusion of Cobras against Lions.
