The Dragons welcome the Lions to the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom for what promises to be a gripping second-round encounter. Confidence will be high in the home camp after a convincing 72-run victory over the KZN Tuskers in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

Batting first, in Pietermaritzburg, North West posted a competitive 291/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Proteas-bound all-rounder Dian Forrester led the charge with a fluent 68 off 67 deliveries, while Meeka-eel Prince provided valuable support with a composed 61 off 76 balls.

Dominic Hendricks in the colours of the Free State during the 2024/25 season - Morgan Piek

In reply, the Tuskers were bundled out for 219 in 46.2 overs, thanks largely to a superb spell from Onke Nyaku, who ripped through the middle order with outstanding figures of 6/41 in 7.2 overs.

The Lions, meanwhile, began their campaign with a 15-run defeat (DLS method) to Western Province at the Wanderers.

In an intriguing twist, the Lions’ first-class captain, Dominic Hendricks, who guided the side to yet another CSA 4-Day Series title, is turning out for the Dragons in the one-day format this season. Last year he donned the orange of Free State and made a telling impact, and now he will face his former teammates in maroon.

Hendricks told OFM Sport that the Dragons are eager to make their mark at home.

“We’re really looking forward to our first game at home. It’s a slight change of colours for me this season, swapping the orange for maroon, but I’m excited to get going in front of our supporters,” said Hendricks.

“We’ve had two good weeks of preparation here in Potchefstroom, so we know what to expect from the conditions. It’s always a cracking contest when the Lions face North West. For North West, this is their big derby, and that always adds extra spice.”

“North West have had the upper hand recently - they’ve won the last three encounters, including the One-Day Cup matches last season - so the boys are definitely up for the challenge and excited to put in a strong performance.”

Dragons celebrating a wicket against the Tuskers - Dragons

“The Lions have quality and depth, with a few internationals in their squad, and we’ve also got some exciting young players who are eager to make a statement. It’s shaping up to be a great game of cricket, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Play in Wednesday’s One-Day Cup clash at the JB Marks Oval is scheduled to get underway at 13:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport