Ballan's Ryan Aquilina took 4-20 to help restrict the Lions to 7-121 at the completion of their 20 overs. After a promising opening stand of 30, Ballan ripped through the middle-order to have Darley at 6-64 and the run rate stalled. Drew Locke helped the home side get to 121 with a run-a-ball knock of 45.

Ballan's Noel Heafield led the run chase with an unbeaten 52 off 35 deliveries. Ballan looked to be in full control for much of the chase at 3-104, before two late wickets provided a challenge. But Ballan finished its 20 overs five runs clear of the Darley total at 5-126, to seal its first Sporting Globe T20 shield victory.

Matthew Cape took 2-16 off his four overs to have the best figures for Darley.

Friday night will see North Ballarat take on Ballarat-Redan at Northern Oval while East Ballarat face Brown Hill at Russell Square Oval.