Winning the toss, the Dolphins opted to field first, hoping to restrict the Lions to a manageable total.
The Lions posted a formidable 194/2 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to an unbeaten 94 from Rassie van der Dussen, who anchored the innings with a blend of calculated aggression and timing.
Van der Dussen was well-supported by Reeza Hendricks, who added 58 off 40 balls in a crucial partnership of 83 runs for the second wicket while Connor Esterhuizen finished the innings off with a quick 38 off 24 balls, ensuring the Lions finished with a competitive total.
The Dolphins' bowling saw some breakthroughs, with Andile Simelane picking up a wicket, but the Lions' top order was largely untroubled.
For much of the Dolphins' innings, it appeared they might fall short of the imposing total. Wickets fell regularly, and the required run rate remained a constant pressure. Early contributions came from Bryce Parsons, Khaya Zondo, and Jason Smith, who all reached the 20s, providing some stability at the top of the order.
The standout performance, however, came from Marques Ackerman, who was rightly named batter of the match. The diminutive left-hander blasted 49 off 28 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes, injecting crucial momentum into the chase. He was ably supported by Jon-Jon Smuts, Gomolelo Phiri - a new find who contributed 19 off 12 balls - and Eathan Bosch, whose cameo kept the Dolphins in contention.
The tension peaked when Bosch was run out and Ackerman fell in the penultimate over. At that stage, the Dolphins required 25 runs off 12 balls, and then 17 off the final over, bowled by a hapless Beyers Swanepoel.
Aryan Gopalan top-edged the first ball for four to third man, immediately easing some pressure. The next delivery was dispatched over long-on for a six, sending the crowd into a frenzy. After a single off the third ball, Nortje stepped up and flat-batted Swanepoel straight back over his head for the winning six, sealing a memorable victory for the Dolphins.
Boland secured top spot and home ground advantage for the CSA T20 Challenge Qualifier after a comfortable 47-run victory against the Tuskers in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
The top four of the CSA T20 Challenge table was settled on Friday when the Dolphins beat the Titans in Centurion while the Lions overcame Western Province at Newlands.
The Dafabet Warriors stormed to the top of the CSA T20 Challenge log on Wednesday night, hammering previously unbeaten Goldrush Boland by 98 runs and securing a bonus point in the process.
The Lions will not have the opportunity to defend their CSA T20 Challenge trophy after a defeat in a super over against North West Dragons in a thrilling contest at the Wanderers.
