The Knights beat Eastern Cape Iinyathi by five wickets at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley, securing their third trophy of the campaign and celebrating promotion in the best possible fashion.

After winning the toss at the alternative venue, the Knights opted to bowl first – and it proved a correct call.

Iinyathi were bundled out for 148 in 38.5 overs, although there was some resistance. Wian Ruthven led the way with a composed 50 off 60 balls, while Jason Niemand added 30 and Lihle Sizani chipped in with 23.

Captain Dane Piedt took 4/29 in the final. Photo: Morgan Piek

The momentum of the innings shifted decisively in the middle overs, thanks largely to Knights captain Dane Piedt. The Proteas spinner led from the front with an outstanding 4/29 in his ten overs, while left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren provided excellent support with 2/29.

In reply, the Knights made a steady start, putting on 49 for the first wicket before Jacques Snyman was caught by Chad Classen for 36 off the bowling of Nico van Zyl. Just four runs later, wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete fell for 12, caught by skipper Nathan Roux off Thando Ntini.

When 19-year-old Ruben Maree was bowled by Van Zyl for just two shortly thereafter, there was a brief wobble, with Isaac Dikgale contributing a patient 21 off 52 balls.

However, Ruan Haasbroek and Cole Abrahams steadied the innings as the pressure began to build. Haasbroek made 26 before being dismissed by Kgaudisa Molefe, but Abrahams held his nerve with a crucial unbeaten 33. He was well supported by Van Vuuren (6*), as the Knights eased home in 36.2 overs.

Van Zyl was the pick of the Iinyathi bowlers with 2/37, while Molefe claimed 2/29 and Ntini finished with 1/29. Head coach JP Pietersen praised the achievement, highlighting just how significant the treble is for the franchise.

Jacques Snyman scored the third most runs in the competition with 379 at an average of 47.37. Photo: Morgan Piek

“First of all, I’m incredibly chuffed for the boys to have achieved such a massive goal,” Triegaardt told OFM Sport.

As a“ coach, it’s still sinking in, to be honest. What we’ve accomplished is truly unbelievable.

“To win a treble in a single season takes a huge amount of perseverance and resilience, so all credit must go to the players. The management staff also played a massive role in helping us reach these objectives.

“The trophies are the cherry on top, but what stands out for me is the way we dominated Division 2. We didn’t just scrape through – we played outstanding cricket throughout the season and finished 24 points clear, which says a lot about the quality of this squad.”

Sithembile Langa took the second most wickets in the One-Day Cup with 17 scalps at an average of 19.17. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved. It’s a legacy – no team has ever won all three trophies in the second division before. I think the Titans did it in the top flight in 2016/17, and now we’re only the second franchise ever to accomplish this.”

Snyman ended as the third-highest run-scorer in the competition, amassing 379 runs in eight innings at an average of 47.37. Seamer Sithembile Langa was equally impressive, finishing as the second-leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps at an average of 19.17.

With promotion secured, the Knights now set their sights on the challenges of Division 1 over the next two seasons. The move is expected to boost player contracting, and if early whispers are anything to go by, Bloemfontein could soon welcome a few big-name signings ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg