An electrifying 151-run opening partnership between Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks paved the way for the DP World Lions' 132-run bonus-point victory over World Sports Betting Western Province in their latest T20 Challenge clash in Cape Town on Wednesday.
The Proteas duo both struck half-centuries to help their side post 213/2 before rookie spinner Nqaba Peter took a remarkable four-wicket haul to dismiss the hosts for just 81. Fellow South Africa international Lutho Sipamla was also key with three wickets to round off a fine evening for the visitors, who took control of second place on the table.
However, the match was set up by the Rickelton-Hendricks stand, which came in the space of 14 overs.
The former struck four sixes and five fours in a 46-ball 73, while the latter was even quicker on his way to a 49-ball 90, hitting six sixes and five fours at the World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground, where the home side would undoubtedly have regretted their decision to bowl first.
After the stand was finally broken by George Linde, the most respectable of the bowlers (1/34), Rassie van der Dussen (29*) and Delano Potgieter (14*) provided a flourishing end to the set of 214.
WP was never in contention after slipping to 9/2 and then 20/3 thanks to Sipamla before Nqaba's leg spin took the rest of the line-up by surprise. The 21-year-old now has seven wickets for just 21 runs from his last two outings.
Kyle Verreynne top-scored for Province on his way to an emphatic dismissal in 14.3 overs.
The day's other match, between Auto Investment North West Dragons and AET Tuskers, was abandoned due to bad weather in Potchefstroom.