The Knights raced to 114 without loss in 11.4 overs, with Gihahn Cloete unbeaten on 57, while Jacques Snyman remained not out on 43. The Storm won the toss and invited the Knights to bat first, but only one over was completed before the players were forced to leave the field due to lightning in the area.

After a delay of nearly an hour, the match was reduced to 14 overs per side – and the Knights wasted no time in attacking the bowling.

Cloete continued his fine form, striking ten fours in his 57 off 38 balls. At the other end, the destructive Proteas batter Snyman also enjoyed a solid outing, finally converting his good starts into a meaningful contribution. 

He faced 29 balls for his unbeaten 43, which included four boundaries, before rain once again interrupted play and brought the Knights’ innings to a premature close.

Following another lengthy delay, the Storm were set a revised target of 78 runs from six overs – and they certainly gave it a real go.

Kabelo Sekhukhune, cousin of Proteas Women’s seamer Tumi Sekhukhune, impressed with his innovative shot selection that kept the bowlers guessing. He struck 21 not out off 13 balls, including two fours and a six.

Jacques Snyman. Photo: Morgan Piek

Captain Grant Thomson showed his class with a quick-fire 24 off just 10 deliveries, featuring two fours and a six. The experienced all-rounder only came in to bat at number seven, and had he batted higher up the order, the Knights might have been in real trouble.

However, Sisanda Magala proved to be the difference, taking four wickets and applying relentless pressure on the Easterns batters. Snyman also chipped in with a wicket.

After the important win, Cloete praised the ground staff for their efforts in getting the field ready despite the persistent rain, and he credited Magala for his influence both on and off the field.

“It’s obviously much nicer to take four points instead of two, and full credit to the ground staff for cleaning up the field and getting it ready for play so that the umpires could get us back out there,” said Cloete.

Sisanda Magala. Photo: Morgan Piek

“With all the rain around and the reduced overs, it really could have gone either way – luckily things went our way today.

“I must also give credit to Magala and the bowlers. When you’ve got so few overs to bowl, every dot ball is like gold, and he bowled brilliantly – two overs for just 12 runs, exactly what you want in that situation.

“He’s the only guy in our change room who’s won the IPL, which says a lot. He’s been MVP two years in a row, and it’s not just his bowling – it’s his mental strength, his experience, and the backing he gives to the whole team. That kind of leadership and composure is something you just can’t buy.”

The Knights will wrap up their league campaign on Saturday when they face the Garden Route Badgers in Bloemfontein. Play at the Mangaung Oval is scheduled to start at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs