Despite the spirited resistance, the Knights remain firmly in control heading into the final day. They need just seven wickets to secure their fourth win of the competition and potentially lock down top spot on the standings — provided they can keep the hosts in check on their home turf.

The Knights began day three with a commanding 184-run lead after skittling the Iinyathi for just 142 in their first innings. That effort was set up by a superb five-wicket haul from local hero Sithembile Langa, who once again showed his fondness for Buffalo Park, a ground he knows like the back of his hand.

Gihahn Cloete - Morgan Piek

Wasting no time in their second innings, the Knights went on the attack from the outset. They raced to 174/5 before calling for the declaration after 39 overs, setting the Iinyathi a daunting 359-run target in this crucial encounter.

Wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete led the charge with a fluent 83 off just 92 balls, striking 12 fours and two sixes in an entertaining knock. Ruan Haasbroek, fresh off a career-best 174 in the first innings, added a valuable 40 before being trapped LBW by Alindile Mhletywa. Patrick Botha and Isaac Dikgale chipped in with 16 apiece.

Faced with either chasing an unlikely victory or batting out almost a day and a half to save the match, the Iinyathi dug deep — but not without early setbacks.

Captain Nathan Roux endured a nightmare start, departing for a duck after being caught by Botha off Tiaan van Vuuren with the penultimate ball of the third over. Soon after, Lihle Sizani was pinned LBW by Langa for 13, leaving the hosts in trouble at 20/2 after 9.4 overs.

Wian Ruthven and Jason Niemand then showed admirable grit, frustrating the Knights with a stubborn 92-run stand for the third wicket. The breakthrough eventually came in the 41st over when Joe van Dyk trapped Niemand LBW for 29 off 101 balls, with the score on 113/3.

At stumps, the Iinyathi were 129/3, still trailing by 229 runs. Ruthven was the standout, unbeaten on a determined 68 off 122 balls, while wicketkeeper Mncedisi Malika offered support late in the day with 10 not out from 28 deliveries.

Joe van Dyk- Morgan Piek

The Knights will be hunting early wickets on Sunday morning to apply maximum pressure, while the Iinyathi must continue to show patience and character as they attempt to survive up to 90 overs against a relentless attack to avoid defeat.

The first ball on the final day at Buffalo Park is scheduled for 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport