Hendricks was the hero of the final by scoring a 52-ball unbeaten 73 to anchor a successful chase of 166. His half-century was his fourth of the campaign, and saw him finish a run behind Rickelton on the run charts.
Left-arm spinner Fortuin could also come into South Africa’s T20 World Cup plans, especially after the way he led Lions in this tournament. He took 2 for 24 in the final and maintained an economy rate of 5.85 across their 16 matches. His consistency mirrored that of Lions, who won 10 of their 14 group matches and the right to host a home semi and final.
Still, when Rickelton was dismissed in the powerplay for 18, Rassie van der Dussen followed shortly after for 6 and when former national captain Temba Bavuma went for 7, they may have been concerned. Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder put on 85 for the fourth wicket and Mulder brought up his first half-century of the tournament to take Lions to victory.