The Free State side wrapped up the win on day two at the Mangaung Oval, following another strong bowling performance by the hosts.

On day one, the Knights had bundled the Storm out for just 59 in their first innings, thanks to an outstanding 4/6 off 8.1 overs by Johan van Dyk and 3/23 in 9 overs by left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren.

Dane Piedt - Morgan Piek

In reply, the Knights were bowled out for 197 in their first innings on day two, with Gihahn Cloete top-scoring with 60 off 115 balls. Patrick Botha contributed 33, while Isaac Dikgale added 28, giving the hosts a 138-run lead.

Easterns captain Ernest Kemm was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers, claiming 5/73 in 20 overs, while Amaan Khan and Jesse Albanie each took two wickets.

The Storm initially fought back strongly on day two, led by Jurie Snyman, who scored a defiant 91 off 144 balls before being bowled by Knights captain Dane Piedt. Snyman had been dropped twice with his score on 62 and 86.

Christopher Britz was the next best batter for Easterns with 16, and no other batter reached double figures, apart from the 14 extras.

Eventually, the Storm were bowled out for 165 in 63.2 overs, leaving the Knights with a mere 28 runs to chase for victory. Piedt was the pick of the Knights bowlers with 5/44 in19 overs, and Van Dyk tool 2/42 in 17 overs.

Gihahn Cloete - Knights

The Knights achieved the target in 10 overs but lost Jacques Snyman for 11 and Isaac Dikgale for 3 along the way. Debutant Cole Abrahams remained unbeaten on 10, while Patrick Botha finished 6 not out, securing the Knights’ first win of the season.

The Knights will remain in Bloemfontein for their next fixture, taking on the Limpopo Impalas at the Mangaung Oval from 16 to 19 October.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport