The Knights have taken a major step in the right direction in their campaign; firstly, they managed to finish at the top of the log in the CSA T20 Knockout, and by doing this, they bagged 15 points towards the promotion-relegation race. Secondly, on Tuesday, they beat the Eastern Cape Iinyathi by 3 wickets under the DLS method to secure a home final on Sunday, albeit against an opponent still to be determined.

By the Knights’ calculations, 30 points should be enough to earn promotion for next season, and with 15 already secured, they are halfway there, but nothing can be left to chance. It remains important that they perform well in the 4-Day Series and the One-Day Cup as well, and thus far, they have pulled their weight on the field.

Fast bowler Johan van Dyk told OFM Sport that the team is in a good space, and the big difference is that this season they are all fighting for a common cause, and this has massively united the squad.

“I definitely feel there’s a common cause,” said Van Dyk.

“There’s also a bit of mutual direction; everyone knows what we’re working towards and how important it is.

Malusi Siboto, Gihahn Cloete, and Rilee Rossouw. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Especially with the few rumours going around about changes in the CSA structure and everything. I feel that we’re kind of playing for our lives. So that’s quite important, and I feel that’s our common goal that we've reached.”

Knights CEO Johan van Heerden, in turn, told OFM Sport that they, as a union, belong in the top flight of domestic cricket, and they will leave no stone unturned in their quest to reclaim their Division 1 status.

“At the beginning of the year, we said we needed 30 points to return to Division One, and now the first step has been achieved,” Van Heerden declared.

“We’re in a good position in the four-day competition, and we simply need to keep following the process. “The team we have is incredibly well-balanced and ready. I feel comfortable saying that we are the best team; we know we belong there, and we will get there.

“We just need a bit of luck. The rain came at the right time for us - two overs earlier would have been even better, but one over later and we could have been in trouble. It’s a competitive league, as it should be in South African cricket, but we belong in Division One.”

Sunday’s final at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein is scheduled to get underway at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh