The Free State side are on a high after their opening-round game, where they thumped the Eastern Storm within two days with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory.

The Knights’ bowlers, in particular, were impressive, with fast bowler Johan van Dyk, left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren – who has been selected for SA A’s upcoming tour to India – and captain Dane Piedt all delivering exceptional performances. On the batting front, only Gihahn Cloete – who looks lean and sharp after the off-season – impressed with the willow.

This week, new recruit Cole Abrahams is unavailable due to a family bereavement and will be replaced in the match XI by Seth Fledermaus. Apart from that, no other changes are expected to the team that beat Easterns.

Proteas spinner Piedt told OFM Sport that the win against Easterns was massive, and it’s important to use it as a foundation and set the tone, as they aim to drive standards throughout the season.

“No, it’s massive. I mean, we’d only had a couple of outdoor net sessions leading up to the game, and I told the guys it’s all a mental switch – coming into the game and delivering the way they did,” said Piedt.

Seth Feldermaus. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Everybody contributed with the ball – Lange in the first innings, Lolly in the first innings, Joe all game, and Tian, who’s still trying to find some rhythm. We carried him a little bit, but everybody played their part.

“I think the most important thing – the blueprint to winning games – is your bowling arsenal being able to take 20 wickets. That’s obviously a big positive. Things we can build on are our batting. 

“I don’t think we’ve fully capitalised there yet, but against a team like Easterns, who scored 600 the previous week and had a guy getting 200, almost 300, it was a real positive for us. We’re looking to build on that.

Tiaan van Vuuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The style of cricket I want to play is Division 1 standard, and that’s what the guys need to push themselves toward – respect the opposition but play a brand of cricket we can be proud of.”

The Knights’ intensity with the ball in particular was impressive against Easterns, and this is certainly something that was lacking last season and ultimately contributed to the team’s relegation from Division 1.

Piedt stressed the importance of maintaining the intensity with bat and ball to play at a Division 1 standard.

“It’s really important. As a bowling unit, we didn’t get many overs under our belt because of the way we bowled. 

“We bowled them out for 60, and then I think it was around 150 in the second innings.

“For me, we need to look at what’s in front of us. A team like Limpopo – we can’t take them for granted. They scored close to 400 against Easterns, so we’ve got to bowl well and play good cricket to get the result. We can’t look too far ahead.

White-ball competition

“Yes, the white-ball competition is coming up, and that’s another opportunity for us to get 15 points. But as I’ve said so many times, our mentality is to play the kind of cricket that gets us back to Division 1 – whatever it takes, we need to get there.

“Right now, we’re really focused on the task at hand. Of course, we’re also looking forward to the white-ball competition – travelling again, playing at different venues, and facing new challenges in Division 2. It’s going to be completely different, but we’re excited for it.”

The first ball between Free State and Limpopo at the Mangaung Oval is scheduled to be bowled at 10:00 on Thursday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs