The clash at SuperSport Park in Centurion marked the start of the penultimate round of the 4-Day Domestic Series, with the hosts bowled out for 263, before the visitors responded with 23 for none at stumps.

Left-hander Brand was the mainstay for the Titans with his innings of 107 off 221 balls (10 fours, 1 six), while the only real support came from captain Grant Thomson (52 off 98 balls, 7 fours).

Budaza (4/50) and Thomson (3/50) were the two men that kept the home side in check – ensuring the competition’s top side held the advantage in their top-of-the-table cross pool encounter.

It was overall an intriguing day, coinciding with the return of domestic red-ball cricket to television screens.

The home side won the toss, batted and went strongly for most of their innings by reaching 239 for four thanks to the Brand-Thomson stand that yielded 89 for the fifth wicket.

Shaun von Berg (2/54) broke the stand and the last six wickets eventually fell for a meagre 24 – Budaza and Pretorius making their presence known for the Knights.

Matthew Kleinveldt (12) and Jacques Snyman (10) then gave their side a strong start to leave their side trailing by 240 at the close.