The Warriors had a bat first on their home field and thanks to an outstanding 135 runs by the Proteas all-rounder, Jon-Jon Smuts, the hosts managed to score 264/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

The Knights seamer, Alfred Mothoa, took two wickets in the first over of the innings to return figures of 4/45, while Migael Pretorius claimed 3/47.

Rilee Rossouw was once against in destructive form with the bat and showed why he is so dangerous and is no doubt a match winner.

The lefthanded former Protea smashed 73 off of 46 balls for the Knights. Earlier in the innings, Jacques Snyman, scored 56 runs, while the innings was setup by a patient and well-played 66 not out by Raynard van Tonder, who is starting to show glimpses of what he is capable of and why is so highly rated.

The Knights captain, Pite van Biljon, came in at the back of the innings, and his 30 not out off of 10 balls steered the team across the line.

The Knights reached the target in 39.3 overs to earn the valuable bonus-point.

The Knights will be in action again on Sunday when they welcome the Dolphins to Bloemfontein. This match at the Mangaung Oval will get underway at 10:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport