Resuming their first innings on 257/7 on Friday morning, the Knights had plenty of hope pinned on Ruan Haasbroek (146*) and skipper Malusi Siboto (14*). However, the Bloemfontein outfit could only add a further 69 runs before being bowled out for 326 in 109 overs.

Haasbroek was the standout with the bat, producing a career-best 174 off 251 balls in a marathon knock that included 18 fours and three sixes. 

He found useful support from Seth Fledermaus, who struck a composed 43 off 96 deliveries, while Patrick Botha added valuable middle-order runs with a gritty 32.

For the hosts, Nico van Zyl led the charge with an impressive five-for with 5/68 in 25 overs, while Alindile Mhletywa chipped in with 3/41 from 18 overs.

Eastern Cape Iinyathi made a reasonably steady start in reply, but their innings quickly unravelled as the Knights’ bowlers cranked up the pressure. The hosts were eventually skittled for a disappointing 142, losing wickets in clusters as momentum swung the visitors’ way.

Captain Nathan Roux, who has plenty of experience playing his cricket in Bloemfontein, offered resistance with a patient 42 off 119 balls, while Wian Ruthven contributed 34 off 89 in a stubborn stand.

The damage, however, was done by East London-born-and-bred quick Langa, who ripped through the batting line-up with a superb 5/33 in 16 overs to claim the sixth five-for of his first-class career. Fledermaus continued his fine all-round form with 2/24 in ten overs, while Botha, Joe van Dyk, and Siboto all got in on the action with a wicket apiece.

Seth Feldermaus. Photo: Morgan Piek

With a healthy first-innings lead in the bag of 184 runs, the Knights will look to turn the screw in their second innings – aiming to bat with intent, set a challenging target and give their bowlers enough time to dismiss Iinyathi for a second time and secure a valuable away win.

Play at Buffalo Park is set to resume on Saturday at 10:00, with the Knights getting their second innings underway.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg