After losing the toss in East London, the Knights were sent in to bat on a testing surface, and the Iinyathi bowlers made full use of the early assistance on offer. The visitors were forced to graft their way to 275/7 at stumps, with Haasbroek standing tall under pressure.

Early wickets saw the Knights stagger to 42/3 at lunch, with Gihahn Cloete, Isaac Dikgale, and Cole Abrahams all dismissed without troubling the scorers.  The struggle continued shortly after lunch when Ruben Maree fell for just 2 off 23 balls, leaving the Knights in real trouble.

However, a crucial 79-run partnership between Haasbroek and Patrick Botha helped steady the innings. Botha contributed a patient 32 off 85 balls before being bowled by Lihle Sizani, with the score on 130/5.

Haasbroek then found another reliable partner in Seth Fledermaus, who chipped in with a composed 42 off 96 balls. Fledermaus was eventually dismissed by Nico van Zyl with the score on 239/6, before left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren was trapped LBW for a duck just two balls later.

By then, Haasbroek had already reached a memorable milestone – his first century in Knights colours. At the close of play, he remained unbeaten on a superb 146 off 222 balls, an innings laced with 14 fours and two sixes.

It marked the fifth century of his career and officially a new personal best, surpassing his previous top score of 144.

Patrick Botha. Photo: Morgan Piek

When stumps were called, captain and seamer Malusi Siboto was alongside Haasbroek, finishing the day on 14 not out off 22 balls.

For the hosts, Nico van Zyl was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 4/54 in 19 overs.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Haasbroek admitted it was a tough day for the batters but praised the team’s resilience.

“It was a difficult first session after we lost the toss, but the guys worked hard against a new ball that moved a lot,” said Haasbroek.

Seth Fledermaus. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The partnerships with Pat and Seth were very important and that’s how we were able to swing the momentum in our direction. We’re pleased with how the day went, but the work is not done yet.”

Looking ahead to day two, Haasbroek highlighted the importance of the morning session.

“Tomorrow morning’s first hour is going to be very important for us to put a big score on the board and lay a platform for our bowlers to come and do damage.”

While proud of his maiden Knights hundred, Haasbroek stressed that the focus remains firmly on the result.

“On a personal level it’s obviously very nice to contribute and put the team in a good position,” he said.

Malusi Siboto. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The most important thing is to continue batting tomorrow and make sure I put the team in a winning position. Big milestones are nice, but they mean nothing if the team doesn’t win.

“It was a very good day for us, but Friday is a new day, and it’s important that we build on the platform laid on day one.”

Play at Buffalo Park is scheduled to resume at 10:00 on Friday morning, with the Knights looking to push on and post a truly competitive first-innings total.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs