The Knights thumped the Dolphins by 227 runs at the Mangaung Oval after being in control of the match for a large part.

The Dolphins need 338 runs on Thursday for the win or needed to bat out the day to force a draw, while the Knights in their turn needed 8 wickets.

The visitors from KwaZulu-Natal targeted a strong start in the first session of the day, however, the Knights' bowlers made early inroads and wickets fell at regular intervals.

Sarel Erwee was the top-scorer for the Dolphins with 81 runs in the second innings while the former Knight, Keegan Petersen, contributed with 48. Ruan de Swardt showed some late resistance with 36 runs.

The seamer, Migael Pretorius, was the chief destroyer for the Knights with 4/52 in 19.1 overs.

In the Dolphins first innings, Pretorius recorded figures of 3/50 in 13 overs, while with the bat he scored 62 in a 106-run partnership for the eighth-wicket with Raynard van Tonder (166 runs).

Mbulelo Budaza, Shaun von Berg and Patrick Kruger each claimed two scalps.

The Knights next face the defending champions, the Lions at the Wanderers in what will be their first away game. This game on the Highveld is set to get underway on Monday 23 November.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport