On day one the show belonged to the opening batsman, Jacques Snyman, who put the Knights in a very strong position early in the game with a blistering 109 off just 71 deliveries. He was well-supported upfront by the debutant, Matthew Kleinveldt, who in his turn contributed with a patient 73-runs.

When Snyman was run out, Raynard van Tonder continued where he left off last season with a fine knock off 85, while the captain Pite van Biljon added 53.

At stumps, the Knights were on 405/5 with another debutant Farhaan Behardien, unbeaten on 67.

In the process, Snyman became the first player since 2010 to score a ton during the first session of the four-day game in South Africa. The last player to do it was the former Knights and Proteas batsman, Rilee Rossouw, against the Titans at SuperSport Park. He went on to score his highest-ever first-class score of 319. 

Snyman also bettered his teammate, Shaun von Berg's record for the fastest-ever four-day century in South Africa.

Snyman told OFM Sport that the Proteas all-rounder, Behardien, informed him of the two records he broke on the first day of the season.

“It was really nice to get back on the park again. Playing for the Knights is a big honour and privilege, so I literally enjoyed every single second of it.

“I never knew I broke that record. But, when I walked off the field Farhaan Behardien came over to me and asked if I knew that I smashed the record.

“I told him that I had no idea that I did and then and there it meant a lot to me. Especially breaking the record of Rilee Rossouw, as we all know what a great cricketer he is.

“Fudgie then mentioned to me that I broke the record of Shaun von Berg for the quickest hundred in four-day cricket.

“It means a lot to me and I never knew that those records were the ones. I never thought about it but I'm just happy to have started the season on such a high and being able to put the team in such a good position.

Snyman added that while the pitch made life with the bat easier, one still had to make use of the conditions on offer.

“Yes, the wicket is flat but there is always a ball with your name on it. You have to be confident in every single shot you play, commit to it and then take it from there.”

Play is set to resume at 10:00 on Tuesday morning.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport