After a slow opening day, the Storm resumed their first innings on Saturday morning on 224/7, with Dewan Marais on 46 not out and Jesse Albanie unbeaten on 25 as they looked to stretch their advantage.

The visitors from Benoni dug in and showed far more resistance on day two, battling patiently to push their total to 277 before being bowled out after 104 overs.

Isaac Dikgale - Morgan Piek

Marais anchored the innings superbly, finishing unbeaten on 62 from 161 balls in a disciplined knock that included five well-timed boundaries. Albanie added ten runs to his overnight score before being caught of the bowling  Malusi Siboto, while Amaan Khan provided some valuable late resistance with a brisk 20 off 26 deliveries.

Veteran seamer Siboto led the Knights’ bowling effort with an impressive return of 4/54 from 25 overs, consistently hitting his lengths, while skipper Dane Piedt offered vital support with 3/82 from a tireless 33-over spell.

In reply, the Knights responded with real intent and composure, laying a solid foundation through a 143-run opening partnership that shifted the momentum back in their favour. Isaac Dikgale was eventually dismissed for a patient and well-crafted 56 off 156 balls, striking six fours before being caught by the Storm captain Ernest Kemm, off the bowling of Tumelo Simelane.

The tournaments leading run-scorer Gihahn Cloete once again underlined his rich vein of form, batting with authority and confidence to end the day unbeaten on 78 from 147 balls. His innings included ten crisp boundaries and a towering six. Patrick Botha played a supporting role, finishing on eight not out as the Knights reached 159/1 before bad light forced an early close to proceedings.

Malusi Siboto - Morgan Piek

With nine wickets still in hand, the Knights will fancy their chances of closing the deficit on day three, as they continue their fightback in what has been a gripping Division 2 final.

Play resumes at the Mangaung Oval at 10am on Sunday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport