The Lions had a bat first at the Mangaung Oval and scored 240/6 in their 50 overs thanks to 108 by the Proteas all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder, while the captain Dominic Hendricks scored 40.

The pair rescued the Lions innings after they were in a spot of bother on 33/3. They put on a 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket to give themselves a realistic chance to win the game.

Gerald Coetzee was the pick of the Knights' bowlers with 3/40 in his 10 overs.

Farhaan Behardien scored 86 in the chase while Coetzee scored 54 as the Knights reached the target off the last ball.

The player of the match, Coetzee, credited Behardien for the win.

“To be honest, he deserves most of the credit,” said Coetzee.

“He guided me right throughout the innings and the way he went out is unfortunate.

“I think it would have been nice if the two of us could have gone right to the end.

“He is such an experienced campaigner and he is such a gift to have in the team. It was really awesome to bat out there with him, just to pick his thoughts and guide me through the innings.”

On Monday the Knights face the North West Dragons in Bloemfontein for their next match.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport