A victory could secure the Knights a home final in the competition and move them one step closer to completing a season treble. On Sunday, the Knights returned to winning ways in Bloemfontein when they beat the Northern Cape Heat by 58 runs at the Mangaung Oval.

It was the perfect response after their seven-wicket defeat to the Garden Route Badgers in Oudtshoorn a few days earlier – a loss that many viewed as a timely wake-up call for the Free Staters after a run of below-par performances, despite still managing to grind out wins.

Heading into Wednesday’s clash on the East Rand, the Storm sit fourth on the log, although they are arguably a stronger outfit than their position suggests. 

Ruben Maree. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Knights, meanwhile, lead the standings and enjoy a five-point cushion over the Limpopo Impalas.

A bonus-point victory on Wednesday, combined with a win for the Eastern Cape Iinyathi over the Impalas in East London, could be enough for the Free State side to secure a home final.

However, the Knights must first take care of business in Benoni and ensure they claim what would be their third win of the season against Easterns – although it will be the first time the two teams meet at Willowmoore Park this season.

“It’s a massive game for us tomorrow. Easterns are a very good side, so we’re expecting a quality game of cricket,” said Maree.

“The loss to SWD was actually a good wake-up call for us as a team because we hadn’t been playing our best cricket. 

"After that match, we had a proper chat with our captain, Dane Piedt, just to get ourselves back on the right track.

Dane Piedt. Photo: Morgan Piek

The 19-year-old Knights batter Ruben Maree, who scored 64 against the Heat, told OFM Sport the team simply needs to focus on getting the job done.

“We followed that up with a strong performance against Northern Cape, and now the aim is to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s game. The message from the captain is simple – just do your job – and hopefully we can bring it home.”

Knights veteran Patrick Botha echoed the sentiments of the youngster 17 years his junior, who is also a product of Grey College. 

Botha told OFM Sport it will be important to build on their renewed momentum while embracing what is expected to be a tough challenge.

“We’re really looking forward to the game against Easterns on Wednesday, especially after a strong performance against Northern Cape in our last match,” said the seasoned campaigner.

“Coming off the loss to SWD, it was important for us to regain momentum, and I think we managed to do that. At this stage, we’re taking it one game at a time and not looking too far ahead.

Patrick Botha. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Wednesday will be another big challenge, but we’re excited about the opportunity and hoping to deliver another good performance.”

Wednesday’s crucial encounter between Easterns and the Knights at Willowmoore Park is scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm