The Iinyathi had a bat first and were in heaps of trouble after 13.1 overs on 15/5 on the scoreboard.

Thanks to 27 by Thomas Kaber and 20 by Clayton Bosch, they managed to limp to 86 before being bowled out.

Beyers Swanepoel and Benjamin van Rensburg each claimed four scalps.

At stumps, the Heat were on 179/2 with Ernest Kemm on 55 not out, while Victor Mahlangu scored 60 and Isaac Dikgale scored 54.

Heat coach, Mark Charlton, told OFM Sport that he was more than satisfied with his teams’ good all-round performance.

“I'm very happy with day one. Bowling the Eastern Cape Iinyathi out for 86 was fantastic, so I'm very happy with the bowling.

“On coastal wickets putting the ball in the right area is very important and I think we did that.

“Benjamin van Rensburg and Beyers Swanepoel, each picking up four wickets, was fantastic.

“Then with the bat I have to commend Ernest Kemm who is, as always, very consistent and combatted any effort from the Iinyathi bowlers.

“Then, Bafana Mahlangu and Isaac Dikgale were very positive in their mindset and put a lot of pressure on the Iinyathi as well.

“So, very happy with where we are, but it is still early days. We will try to press on our advantage tomorrow and hopefully we come out with a good day again.”

Play at Buffalo Park resumes at 10:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport