Cricket
Van Biljon and Gous earn the Knights a draw─── 16:54 Thu, 01 Nov 2018
A franchise-best 177* by captain Pite van Biljon ensured the VKB Knights managed to secure an encouraging draw after batting out the final day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Warriors in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
The right-hander was unbeaten at the end having batted the entire last day, facing 292 balls, which included 27 fours and five sixes, to ensure he side saved the game by reaching 366 for six when stumps were eventually drawn at St George’s Park.
Van Biljon’s effort was complemented brilliantly by Andries Gous after he completed a wonderful second franchise game by striking 92 (189 balls, 12 fours, 4 sixes) – adding to his maiden ton in the first innings.
In fact, the rookie batted with his captain for most of the day with the pair resuming on 154 for four at the start. At that stage, the Knights were still 24 runs in arrears, but the two batsmen batted together until the lead was taken to 217.
They put on a fixture record 241 for the fifth wicket, surpassing the 236 by Ryan Bailey and Morne van Wyk, which was established in the 2010/11 season.
The stand was eventually broken by Yaseen Vallie (1/15), and even though Ryan McLaren (4) fell not long after, it was too late for the Warriors as the Central Franchise held on to secure a draw.
- Cricket SA
