The Knights declared their second innings on 194/4 to set the visitors a target of 457 runs for the win.

At stumps, the Dolphins were on 138/2 after 38 overs. Sarel Erwee is unbeaten on 58, while the captain, Marques Ackerman, is on 32 not out.

The Knights captain, Pite van Biljon, told OFM Sport that they are in a strong position, but hard work is required.

“They have a couple of good players and obviously we didn't expect them to go lie down. They are a very good team and they have got good batters.

“It is going to be hard work and if we can execute our skills and do what we have to, I think we will be on the right side. The important thing is for us to execute and hopefully the result will take care of itself, but by no means will it be easy.”

The Dolphins assistant coach and former Knights seamer, Quinton Friend, in his turn told OFM Sport that it is important to start strong on the final day.

“It's actually a pretty good pitch and it has held us well. “From a Dolphins point of view, it is almost going to be crucial that we take it ball-by-ball.

“At this stage, we are not eyeing a win at all. The big focus is just to be on ball-by-ball, session-by-session as we go along during the course of day four.

“It's crucial that we as batting unit get through session one with as little damage as possible.”

Play is set to resume at 10:00 on Thursday morning.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport