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Toyana praises Phangiso

Johannesburg - Highveld Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana has praised Aaron Phangiso's form in the Champions League T20 tournament and believes the left-arm spinner could make the step up to international level.

"He's very, very underrated," Toyana said on Friday.

"In the last three years he has been doing the same job for us in one-day and T20 cricket."

Toyana said Phangiso, who bagged six wickets in their first three matches of the tournament, had a chance of breaking into the national team if he improved his game as an all-rounder.

"The biggest thing is to just work on his batting a bit and maybe he can challenge a guy like (Robin) Petersen.

"He won't (back down from a challenge). He is from Shoshanguve...they breed them tough there.

"He is a fighter and he works hard on his bowling.

"He has been superb. He doesn't get overawed quickly and is a good kid with a good heart as well."

Toyana was pleased with Lions' performances after they won two of their first three Champions League matches to settle in second place in Group B.

They beat Indian Premier League sides the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings before going down to Australian outfit the Sydney Sixers on Thursday.

The Johannesburg side were set to face English county team Yorkshire in their last group match at the Wanderers on Saturday.

"We've beaten two powerhouses and are happy where we are," he said.

"We have a chance at home and hopefully we will do well.

"It's a big game for us tomorrow. It's a must win for us.

"We just have to have respect for them (Yorkshire) and make sure we're doing our skills the way we've been doing."

There were no fitness concerns within the Lions camp, though Toyana said they might tinker with their line-up for Saturday's match.

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