It was the Knights’ fourth win over the East London outfit in five outings across all competitions this season, as they continue their push for a potential treble.

Border won the toss, and captain Nathan Roux elected to bowl first on a pitch that had a bit in it, setting up a low-scoring contest.

The Knights managed to post 229/8 in their allotted 50 overs, meaning their bowling and fielding needed to be spot on to avoid an upset at home.

Dane Piedt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Opening batter and wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete continued his rich vein of form with a gritty 79 off 94 balls, striking nine fours. Ruan Haasbroek added a valuable 66 off 78 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes, while Ruben Maree contributed a patient 26 off 47.

Michael Copeland was the pick of the Iinyathi bowlers with 3/46, while Nico van Zyl claimed 2/46.

Solid start

In reply, Border made a solid start, putting on 102 for the first wicket between Roux and Lihle Sizani to pile pressure on the Knights’ attack. 

The 25th over proved decisive, as Malusi Siboto broke the dangerous partnership by bowling Sizani for 41. Two balls later, Wian Ruthven was run out for ome, and on the very next delivery, Roux was trapped LBW for 54.

From there, Iinyathi collapsed, losing all ten wickets for just 80 runs after the opening stand, thanks to a disciplined and clinical Knights bowling display.

Siboto was the standout performer with 2/29 in eight overs, while captain Dane Piedt matched those figures with 2/29 in his ten overs. Sithembile Langa and Jacques Snyman also chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Following the win, Piedt told OFM Sport while ten points from two matches is exactly what the team wanted, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

“The results are there – ten points from two matches – but I just feel we’re not quite playing the cricket we should be.” 

Malusi Siboto. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There have been standout individual performances, but holistically as a batting unit, we should be posting bigger scores and converting starts into big hundreds.

“Our start with the ball also needs to be a bit more on the money. That said, we’re very happy with the results – you can’t take those for granted. They’re a really good white-ball team, and with the fatigue that comes late in the season, every game is going to be tough.”

Difficult team 

“Credit to Lolly (Siboto) – the way he bowled was sensational and really cracked the game open for us.”

The Knights’ next match is against the ever-tricky CSA Emerging side, made up of players earmarked for higher honours. Piedt said they are a difficult team to face, largely because they are relatively unknown.

Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The biggest test for me is the unknown. I haven’t played against these guys before, so you don’t quite know what to expect. But we pride ourselves on being an adaptable team that can work things out on the fly.

“Hopefully the rain stays away because every match is important for fine-tuning what we need going deeper into the competition.

Ground staff

“Credit must also go to the ground staff for preparing a surface that kept the game tight and offered something for the bowlers. We’re happy to get over the line – long may it continue.”

Sunday’s match between the Knights and CSA Emerging at Mangaung Oval is scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg