Johannesburg - Chris Morris returned the most economical figures in T20 cricket with 2/2 from four overs as the Highveld Lions romped to a 47 run victory over the Cobras in their Ram Slam T20 Challenge match at the Wanderers on Friday.
Chasing 142 for victory, the Cobras could only manage 94 for nine in their 20 overs.
Morris bowled three maidens on his way to his outstanding figures, but all the other Lions bowlers were able to pickup wickets regularly as the Cobras failed to build any meaningful partnerships.
Omphile Ramela was top-scorer for the Cobras with 30 runs from 34 balls, but even his efforts were at slower than a run a ball.
With their bonus-point win, the Lions entrenched their position at the top of the table with 18 points from four games. The Cobras, meanwhile, remained on 11 points.
Both teams came into the match unbeaten after three games, but the Lions were dealt a blow with Chris Gayle out injured with a lower back pain.
The West Indian was the top run-scorer of the competition coming into the clash with 214 runs at an average of 107 and a strike rate of 163.
Batting first, the Lions made 141 for seven in their innings courtesy of Rassie van der Dussen who made 52 from 40 balls.
Van der Dussen made his way into the opening role in place of Gale, but despite a 43 run opening partnership with Alviro Petersen (18) the Lions were unable accelerate their scoring rate.
Even a 52 run second wicket stand between Van der Dussen and captain Neil McKenzie (22) did not help matters much as they took 47 balls as they battled to find the boundary.
After Van der Dussen was bowled in the 15th over by left-arm seamer Mthokozisi Shezi, the Lions continued to lose wickets on their way to what seemed a few runs short of an imposing total.
Shezi was the pick of the Cobras bowlers with 2 for 23 from his four overs.
Sapa