The Dragons got their 2024/25 season off to a winning start with a tight 3-run victory against the Knights in an overcast Bloemfontein on Saturday in the CSA T20 Challenge.

The team from Potchefstroom had a bat first and managed to post 144/4 in their innings which was reduced to 18 overs due to rain at the Mangaung Oval.

The Dragons captain, Wihan Lubbe, top-scored with a fine knock of 58 runs off 40 balls, while Janneman Malan, who was on debut scored 40.

Patrick Botha. Photo: CSA

The two Proteas did a fine job ensuring they had something to defend after losing both of their opening batters for a duck.

Lesiba Ngoepe also played his part with an unbeaten 32.

Dian Forrester was the pick of the Knights bowlers with 2/22 in his 4 overs, while Malusi Siboto, who made his return to the Knights, took 2/46.

In reply, the Knights had to score 150 runs for the win, but they lost their openers fairly early as well with Jacques Snyman being dismissed for 16 and Gihan Cloete for 2.

Migael Pretorius. Photo: CSA

The debutant, Lesego Senokwane, who joined the Knights from the Dragons played a wonderful 39, while the in-form Forrester score 46 not out.

The pair got the Knights into a position where the game was in their hands and the looked good for the victory.

However, a few soft wickets found the Knights wanting and falling just short. The lanky former Knights seamer Duan Jansen was the pick of the Dragons bowlers with 3/30 in his 4 overs, while Kerwin Mungaroo took 1/23 in 4.

On Friday the Dragons will host Western Province in Potchefstroom, while on Sunday the Warriors will take on the Knights in Gqeberha.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh