Cricket
Final evenly poised after day one in Bloemfontein─── MORGAN PIEK 06:59 Sat, 07 Feb 2026
The Eastern Storm closed day one of the CSA 4-Day Series Division 2 final on 224/7 against the Flexbrands Knights at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, after a hard-fought opening day that lived up to its billing.
The Knights won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling first, eager to put the Storm under pressure as they go in search of a second piece of silverware this season.
Easterns, however, showed early intent with the bat. Opening batter Jurie Snyman led the charge, taking a particular liking to the Knights’ bowling as he struck the ball fluently in the early exchanges.
Flexbrand Knights. Photo: Facebook
Snyman looked in good touch before his innings was brought to an end on 44 off 61 deliveries, when he was caught by Tiaan van Vuuren off the bowling of Sithembile Langa, with the score on 67/1 after 19.1 overs.
The Knights struck again soon thereafter when Storm captain Ernest Kemm was removed for a patient 25 off 73 balls. Dane Piedt did the damage, trapping the skipper as Easterns slipped to 73/2 in the 27th over.
From there, Christopher Britz and Dewan Marais dug in and made the Knights work hard. The pair showed plenty of discipline and composure at the crease, blunting the attack with a determined stand as Easterns steadily rebuilt their innings.
Eastern Storm. Photo: Citizen
Britz eventually fell for a gritty 34 off 108 balls, but Marais carried on impressively and was unbeaten on 46 off 131 deliveries at stumps.
Jesse Albanie provided valuable support late in the day and will resume on 25 not out from 69 balls as the Storm look to push on in the morning session.
Knights skipper Dane Piedt led from the front with the ball, finishing as the standout performer with 3/72 from a marathon 31-over spell. Veteran seamer Malusi Siboto was typically miserly, conceding just 31 runs in his 18 overs and picking up a wicket.
Eyeing early breakthroughs
At the same time, Tiaan van Vuuren, Sithembile Langa, and youngster Ross Boast also chipped in with a scalp apiece.
With seven wickets down and plenty still to play for, the contest is finely balanced heading into day two. The Knights will be eyeing early breakthroughs to wrap up the Storm’s innings quickly and set themselves up for a strong reply.
Play at the Mangaung Oval resumes at 10:00 on Saturday morning.
