RAIN HALTS DRAGONS VS LIONS CLASH

March 10, 2026 3

Amilcar Xayiya

@melkardascribe

In exciting fashion, the visiting DP World Lions looked primed to set a defendable total at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom. However, due to persistent rain and thundershowers, a match delay ultimately resulted in a “No Result” finish for both sides.

With the NWU Dragons having won the coin toss, they opted to bowl first, handing the batting duties to the Lions. With bat in hand, the Lions proceeded to score 229 runs in 42 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

Momentum was beginning to build at the Oval. Players such as Zubayr Hamza scored 115 runs from 121 balls. However, Mother Nature denied him any chance to build further momentum. A delay was imposed, which was later upgraded to a “No Result”. This meant that, due to the persisting bad weather and the inability for both teams to complete the required 50 overs, no winner or loser could be determined. As a result, both teams will share two points, which could have a minimal effect on their tournament standings.

Interestingly enough, it has been almost a year to the date since the Lions’ previous weather-affected fixture. This was against Goldrush Boland, who happen to be the NWU Dragons’ next opponents on 7 March. That match was also halted because of bad weather.

Key contributors from today’s halted game include Zubayr Hamza, the centurion; Wiaan Mulder, who scored 50 off 63 balls, reaching his 15th List A half-century; as well as Mitch van Buuren before his dismissal, which led to the emergence of the dynamic duo of Hamza and Mulder and their 111-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The game seemed to have started with the promise of a great chase for the NWU Dragons. However, sadly for fans and players alike, the only thing chased was cover from the thunder and rain pouring over the pitch.

While this was a disappointing result, One Day Cup fans will not have to wait long to see the Dragons or the Lions in action again. The Dragons faced Goldrush Boland at the JB Marks Oval this Saturday, 7 March, while the Lions will play at home against the Dafabet Warriors. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kinder to players and fans alike and allow for a full day of cricket as initially expected.