A ninth career century by Pieter Malan set the Cape Cobras on their way to a 27-run Momentum One-Day Cup victory over the Lions at Boland Park in Paarl on Friday night.
The right-hander made 124 (132 balls, 12 fours) to help the hosts post 273/6, before the visitors were bowled out for 246 in 48.2 overs.
Rory Kleinveldt led the way with the ball by taking 3/48 as the Cobras maintained their second-place position on the log.
For the Lions, it was a costly defeat and saw them slip out of the play-off places behind the Warriors, who were surprise winners over the Dolphins in Durban.
Malan was the key man with his first ton of the season following four half-centuries, enabling his side to reach a useful total after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first.
Simon Khomari provided good support with his third successive half-century after he made 79 (103 balls, three fours) – the highest score of his career.
The Lions lost openers Stephen Cook (six) and Reeza Hendricks (22) inside the opening 12 overs, leaving them on 46/2.
Dominic Hendricks tried his best to keep them up with the run rate by hitting 77 (98 balls, six fours).
And the left-hander did a decent job by taking them to 197/5 in the 41st over before he was dismissed.
Dwaine Pretorius kept things going with 46, but after he fell, the tail caved in and the visitors were dismissed with 10 balls to spare.
