The Knights suffered a heavy 176-run defeat to the Mpumalanga Rhinos in Bloemfontein, but still did enough over the course of the competition to finish top of the log – edging the rest of the field by just two points.

By finishing at the summit, the Knights advance directly to a home final, while the Rhinos and Eastern Cape Iinyathi will square off in the Qualifier for the remaining place in the decider.

Batting first after winning the toss at Mangaung Oval, the visitors from White River posted a formidable 301/7 in their allotted 50 overs.

Joe van Dyk. Photo: Morgan Piek

Benjamin van Niekerk led the charge with the bat, striking a composed 80 off 81 balls before being caught and bowled by Joe van Dyk. Yassar Cook added valuable support with 76 off 111 deliveries before Bongi Mhlanga claimed his wicket. Former Knights captain Aubrey Swanepoel then punished his old side late in the innings, smashing a brisk 41 off just 25 balls, while Gareth Dukes provided late fireworks with a rapid 35 from only 13 deliveries.

For the Knights, Sithembile Langa was once again the standout with the ball, finishing with 3/61 from his ten overs, while Van Dyk chipped in with 2/57.

Chasing a daunting target, the Knights never really found their rhythm with the bat and were bundled out for a modest 125 in 34.4 overs.

Isaac Dikgale. Photo: Morgan Piek

Seth Fledermaus top-scored for the Free State with 31 off 41 balls. Patrick Botha contributed 18 off 22, while Langa added 15 from 38 deliveries, but there was little resistance from the rest of the batting line-up. Dukes capped a fine all-round performance by starring with the ball for the Rhinos, taking 3/19 in his eight overs. Tetelo Maphaka took 3/31, while Hermann Rolfes finished with 2/16 in 4.4 overs.

The Knights now have a full week to prepare for the final, with no midweek fixture or travel to worry about. However, they won’t enjoy the usual comforts of their traditional home ground.

Due to a music concert taking place at Mangaung Oval this weekend, the final will instead be played at the University of the Free State Oval. While smaller than the Mangaung Oval, the UFS field is a very nice ground that is known for its good wicket and good outfield.

Dane Piedt. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Qualifier between the Border and the Mpumalanga Rhinos will take place on Wednesday at Buffalo Park in East London, with the winner travelling to Bloemfontein for the final.

Earlier in the season, the Knights edged the Eastern Cape Iinyathi by eleven runs in the CSA T20 Knockout final to claim their first title of the campaign.

Sunday’s final at the UFS Oval is scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg