Johannesburg - The overseas-based players failed to have an impact during the first round of the RAM SLAM T20 challenge fixtures on Sunday.
West Indian Kieron Pollard held the Cobras innings together with 29 runs unbeaten from 34 balls as they made a way below-par 125 against the Lions. Despite his efforts to help his team to a defendable total, the Lions were able to romp to a seven-wicket triumph with eight balls to spare.
Pollard, though, may still have much to contribute to the Cobras cause as he was the standout player in the Cape-sides title winning campaign last season.
It must be noted too, the Lions are missing the services of an overseas star player like they had last season with West Indian big-hitter Chris Gayle who helped the franchise to five wins in a row to begin the competition last season.
Instead, Rassie van Dussen starred for the Lions with 55 from 48 to lay the platform for victory.
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen made a brisk 22 from 21 balls for the Dolphins against the Titans, before playing a loose shot to be caught at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Albie Morkel.
To Pietersen's credit, he was part of a winning cause as the Dolphins compiled 179/4 to set the Titans an imposing victory target on their home ground in Centurion.
Prenelan Subrayen turned out to be the real star in the Dolphins lineup as the spinner took 4/22 as the hosts came up short to give the Durban side a six-run victory.
Pietersen will play five matches for the Dolphins, before flying to Australia for the Big Bash League T20 competition. - ANA