The Northern Cape Heat are in a very strong position to win their third-straight CSA 4-Day series Division 2 title after day three of the final against the ITEC Knights in Kimberley.

At stumps on day three the Knights were on 193/8 in their second innings for a lead of just 96-runs.

The Heat resumed their first innings on 309/8 on Monday morning, but a brilliant 118-run partnership for the ninth wicket by Jonathan Vandiar and the seasoned seamer Basheeru-Deen Walters swung the match in their favour.

Walters scored a career-best 77-runs to frustrate the Knights bowlers, while Vandiar fell just short of a century by finishing on 92 not out as they took their side to 427 all out.

Monde Maqunqu finished as the pick of the Knights bowlers with 4/61 in 16.5 overs.

Within the first 20 overs of their second inning the Knights were in deep trouble at 57/4 with Isaac Dikgale, Jacques Snyman, Gihahn Cloete and Dian Forrester losing their wickets cheaply.

The captain Patrick Botha with 27 and Aubrey Swanepoel with 47 dug in to try and revive their innings, but it was to little avail.

However, at the close of play the Knights had a slender 96-run lead with just two wickets in hand and two full days of play remaining.

The 37-year-old Walters then starred with the ball with 3/20 in 13 overs to see the Knights reeling at stumps.

Walters told OFM Sport that they are in a good position, but he failed in his first objective and what to get Vandiar to his 12th first-class century.

“It's been a good day, but I was a bit disappointed to be honest,” said the experienced campaigner.

“I was very disappointed when I got out because I wanted to take Jonathan Vandiar to his hundred.

“That was my personal goal and I actually never achieved that, so a bit gutted, but happy for the situation that we are in at the moment.”

Walters added that they are in a strong position, but cricket is a funny ol’ game, it’s matter to sticking to their processes in order to achieve the end goal.

“It was a good day out for the boys, but tomorrow is a new day. We will start with our process again and then we will see what happens there after.

“We've won this competition for two years in a row and it will be great to win it for another year, but it's all about the process and taking it one ball at a time.

Play at the Diamond Oval resumes at 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport