The Knights are fresh off a nail-biting four-wicket victory over the Mpumalanga Rhinos in White River on Wednesday, clinching the win with one ball to spare after at one stage looking dead and buried and staring down the barrel of defeat.

Importantly, the Knights showed that they can grind out a win under pressure, especially without the destructive left-handed batter Rilee Rossouw in the mix. Rossouw is only available for the Knights’ home games and didn’t feature in the away matches against the Eastern Cape Iinyathi and the most recent clash against the Rhinos.

Malusi Siboto - Morgan Piek

The Knights were also without the services of their captain, Dane Piedt, for the match against the Rhinos, although he was with the team in the Lowveld.

The seasoned seamer Malusi Siboto captained the side at Uplands College and made the initial breakthrough with the ball when the pressure was on.

Siboto, who oozes experience, told OFM Sport that while they managed to claim a sensational victory, it’s important to improve in their next two games as the playoffs loom.

“Yeah, I think Wednesday’s game was one of those where, collectively as a batting unit, we needed the top six to stay in until the last five overs - which did happen,” said the veteran seamer.

“That gave us a good platform and made it easier for us to reach the target with a ball to spare.

“All in all, there’s always room for improvement and to get better. If anything, I’d say we just need to tighten up a bit with the ball. I think all the seamers, myself included, were a bit behind in terms of setting the tone, and that’s definitely an area we can improve on.”

Siboto added that they do have renewed confidence but it’s important to back up their win with another solid performance over the weekend.

“The win gave us confidence going into the next two games, which are obviously very important for us. Having Rilee Rossouw in the team is a luxury, but the batters showed that even without him, there are guys who can put their hands up.

Dane Piedt - Morgan Piek

“Hopefully, we can keep that momentum going into Sunday.”

Siboto, who rejoined the Knights from the Lions last season, warned that the team from the East Rand are dangerous, and they will have to be on top of their game.

“Easterns have a couple of really good players, so it’s important for us to set the tone again and put them under pressure early on.

“It’s T20 cricket - the game changes every over - so if we just do the basics better than them and keep the pressure on a bit longer, we’ll be fine.”

Sunday’s game between the Knights and the Eastern Storm at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein is scheduled to start at 13:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport