It was another low-scoring affair in Bloemfontein, and the Free State outfit came agonisingly close to suffering just their second defeat of the season. The SA Emerging side batted first and were bowled out for a modest 148 in 32.5 overs. 

All-rounder Steve Stolk top-scored for the visitors with a brisk 36 off 24 balls, while wicketkeeper Lethabo Phahlamohlaka chipped in with a patient 26 off 54 deliveries to frustrate the Knights bowlers. Bandile Mbatha added 20 off 25.

Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

Left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren was the pick of the Knights attack with impressive figures of 3/19 in 5.3 overs, while Sithembile Langa claimed 3/30 in his six overs. There will, however, be some concern over Van Vuuren, as Jacques Snyman had to step in and complete his over after he was unable to finish it.

What looked like a straightforward chase quickly turned into a nervy contest for the hosts, as a batting collapse nearly cost them the match.

The Knights got off to a solid start, with Jacques Snyman and Gihahn Cloete putting on a 50-run opening stand. Snyman was then caught behind for 20 off the final ball of the seventh over, bowled by Paul Matlala.

Ruben Maree. Photo: Morgan Piek

Cloete continued to anchor the innings and worked his way to 43 before being run out by Jason Rowles with the score on 81. Cole Abrahams contributed 23, but his dismissal on 95 sparked a dramatic collapse that left the Knights teetering.

Amid the chaos, 19-year-old Ruben Maree showed remarkable composure. His unbeaten 43 off 95 balls proved to be the backbone of the innings, guiding the Knights over the line in the 38th over in a tense finish.

The victory secured a third consecutive win for the Knights, who now top the standings on 15 points. They hold a four-point lead over Easterns, who are also unbeaten after three rounds. The Benoni-based side, however, has only two wins, with their opening match against the Mpumalanga Rhinos ending in a no result. On Saturday, Easterns edged the Garden Route Badgers by four runs via the DLS method.

The Knights will now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against the Garden Route Badgers in Oudtshoorn, with play scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm ss  m