The Central Gauteng Lions will host the One-Day Cup final at the Wanderers next Sunday.
The Lions secured a 34-run victory over Boland in Paarl on Saturday to finish top of the standings.
An unbeaten 91 off 78 balls from Delano Potgieter guided the Lions to 242-7 in their 50 overs, supported by valuable contributions throughout the batting lineup.
Despite a spirited effort from the hosts, including Yves Kamanzi’s four-wicket haul and half-centuries from Gavin Kaplan (72) and Jhedli van Briesies (55), Boland were unable to contain the visitors in Paarl.
The Lions’ bowlers then combined effectively to dismiss Boland for 208, with Reeza Hendricks leading the way with 3-33, while Nqaba Peter and Fortuin claimed two wickets apiece.
Meanwhile in Gqeberha, the EP Warriors fell just short of claiming top spot, despite securing a five-wicket victory over the KZN Tuskers earlier on Saturday.
Their chances depended on the Lions’ result going their way, but the Gqeberha-based side finished a point behind the Lions.
Leading wicket-taker Gideon Peters starred with the ball, claiming 4-32 to help bowl the Tuskers out for 197.
In reply, Sinethemba Qeshile’s unbeaten 55, alongside Modiri Litheko’s 49, and Patrick Kruger’s 34* ensured the Warriors chased down the target comfortably, in under 36 overs.
The Warriors will now host the qualifier playoff against the Northerns Titans at St George’s Park on Wednesday.
On Sunday, the Titans entered their final fixture against the North West Dragons needing a win to secure their place in the qualifier, and duly delivered with a commanding eight-wicket victory via the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter at Centurion.
Elsewhere, the KZN Dolphins secured a narrow one-wicket victory over Western Province in Durban.
Photo: @DPWorldLions/X