Lions win by narrowest margin

Johannesburg - The Highveld Lions have climbed to the top of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge standings on Sunday, edging the Knights by the narrowest of margins in their table-topping clash in Potchefstroom.

Both sides made 161 for seven in their 20 overs, and the match went to a super over, with both teams remaining level after hitting seven runs each.

The Lions earned the win, however, after racking up more boundaries in their regular innings.

Gerhardt Abrahams had smashed 30 runs off 19 balls and Pite van Biljon hit 33 from 29 to carry the Knights' top order, with the visitors chasing 162 runs to win.

After they were removed, the middle order was propped up by Obus Pienaar, who hit a career-best 43 not out off just 25 deliveries as he lifted the visitors to the same total compiled by the home side.

Spinner Eddie Leie was the best of the Lions bowlers, taking two for 16 from his allotted four overs.

Earlier, West Indies international Chris Gayle got the hosts off to a cracking start, making 50 runs off 38 balls in an 80-run opening stand with Alviro Petersen, after they lost the toss and were sent in to bat.

Petersen contributed 34 off 27 and skipper Neil McKenzie hit 34 from 28, leaving the Lions cruising at 134 for three with three overs remaining in their innings.

They lost four wickets at the death, however, to stunt their momentum.

Seam bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk led the Knights attack, with a return of two for 17.

The Lions remained unbeaten after three matches in the T20 campaign, while the Knights were handed their first defeat of the competition.