Cricket
Knights ready to go against the Northern Cape Heat─── MORGAN PIEK 09:55 Fri, 24 Oct 2025
The Knights will be targeting a fast start to their CSA T20 Knockout campaign when they face the Northern Cape Heat in Kimberley on Friday in the opening game of the tournament.
The Knights head to Kimberley with a lot of confidence following two very strong and dominant performances in the 4-Day Series. While it’s early days, wicketkeeper-batter Gihan Cloete has shown tremendous form with the bat, while on the bowling front, captain Dane Piedt, as well as fast bowler Johan van Dyk have been in fine form with the ball.
They are not the only batters and bowlers who have looked good thus far.
“We’re not going to take anybody lightly. We did have our chat about how we want to go about our business. We had a good two warm-up games leading up to the start on Friday.
Gihahn Cloete against the Northern Cape Heat. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Everybody is looking very, very good. Coach JP Triegaardt and Ruan Dercksen have worked hard with us to make sure we’re all in a good mental space and, more importantly, confident going into the game and ready to showcase what we’re about.
“We’re definitely looking forward and ready to go against Northern Cape on Friday. We're not going to take them lightly. They’re a good side, but we’re more than ready for them. And, like I said, all the preparation is done now.
“It’s now just about putting it into the game and showing what we’re about.”
Rossouw, without a doubt a T20 expert, told OFM Sport that the shortest format of the game is all about evolving with it and being on top of your game to produce results in the middle.
“I think T20 has developed over the years, so you've got to be a bit more outspoken when it comes to your cricket,” said Rossouw.
“You can’t just rely on fundamentals – you’ve got to think ahead in the game. You’ve got to play the situation as it unfolds.
“So, depending on how the wicket plays, you can be a bit funky. Otherwise, you need discipline, if it’s seaming or spinning. But at the end of the day, T20 is a fast-paced game.
“You've got to be on top of it before the other team gets on top of you.”
Friday’s tournament opener between the Heat and Knights at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley is scheduled to start at 13:00.
