The Knights wrapped up the result with more than a day to spare, finishing the job shortly after lunch on Saturday afternoon. While they remain third on the 4-Day Series log, the Bloemfontein side are well placed to challenge for top honours, especially with a game in hand on their closest rivals.

The Eastern Storm climbed to the summit following their emphatic innings-and-46-run win over the Northern Cape Heat at Willowmoore Park, while the Badgers slipped from first to second. 

However, the Knights’ superior position on the fixture list could yet prove decisive as the business end of the season approaches.

Seth Fledermaus against Boland in the 2024/25 One-Day Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

After winning the toss on Thursday, SWD opted to bat first but were dismissed for 194. Knights captain Malusi Siboto led by example with a superb spell of 4/33 in 21 overs, well supported by Seth Fledermaus (3/50) and fast bowler Joe van Dyk (2/46).

Liam Alder top-scored for the visitors with a brisk 68 off 78 balls, while skipper Yaseen Vallie and Ruan Terblanche each contributed 31.

In reply, the Knights struggled to gain momentum and were bowled out for 171 in their first innings. Patrick Botha held the innings together with a patient 59, while Siboto added a handy 28. Merrick Brett was outstanding for the Badgers, claiming 5/25 in 15.1 overs, while St Andrew’s School (Bloemfontein) old boy Pheko Moletsane chipped in with 2/6 in four overs.

The turning point of the match came in the Badgers’ second innings, where Van Dyk produced a fiery spell of fast bowling to claim 6/28 in just 13 overs. His efforts saw SWD skittled for 121, leaving the Knights a modest target of 145 for victory.

Vallie (38) and Brett (26) were the only batters to offer resistance for the visitors.

The chase was handled with maturity by Ruan Haasbroek (51*), Ruben Maree (35*), and wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete (34), as the Knights calmly reached the target in 46 overs, shortly after lunch on day three.

Joe van Dyk. Photo: Morgan Piek

Speaking to OFM Sport after the match, Siboto admitted that losing the toss may have worked in their favour, and stressed that patience was the key ingredient.

“In the end, it was probably a good toss to lose,” Siboto said.

“We weren’t quite sure how the pitch would play over four days, and we’ve actually been losing the toss here quite often, so in a way it worked in our favour.

“We tried to keep things as simple as possible, and although we didn’t start well with the ball, we came back strongly. Finishing top is something we’ll happily take.

Jacques Snyman. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Patience was the key for both batters and bowlers. As the day went on, the wicket started to skid on and became better to bat on, even though it kept a bit low at times. I don’t think either side showed enough patience in the first innings, but we managed it better in the second innings, and that made the difference.”

The Knights could receive a timely boost ahead of their trip to East London, with regular captain Dane Piedt, left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren, and powerful opener Jacques Snyman potentially returning from SA20 duties with MI Cape Town.

Their penultimate match of the campaign gets underway against the Eastern Cape Iinyathi at Buffalo Park on Thursday, with play starting at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs