The Knights resumed their first innings on 32/2 on Friday and lost the early wickets of Dian Forrester and Gihahn Cloete for 8 runs each to see the score at 44/4.

The opening batter, Lesego Senokwane, who joined the Knights from the Dragons, scored his fifth first-class century to lead the fight back, while the seasoned Proteas spinner, Aaron Phangiso, also dug his heels in to score a hard-fought 38 off 68.

Senokwane went on to hit 21 fours to carry his bat through the day’s play with 135 not out when rain brought an early close to play.

Migael Pretorius. Photo: Morgan Piek

When stumps was called by the umpires, the Knights sneaked into the lead at 244/8. Senokwane’s fine ton wiped out the Dragons’ surprise declaration on 232/9 on Day 1.

The former Knights seamer Migael Pretorius was the pick of the Dragons with a 3/48 in 18 overs, while Odirile Modimokoane took 2/52 and Kervin Mungroo took 2/6 in 15 overs. The Dragons hero with the bat on Day 1, Ruan de Swardt, took 1/16 in 10 overs.

Play at the Mangaung Oval is scheduled to resume at 10:00, however, heavy overnight rain in Bloemfontein may cause a delay in the start of play, while more is predicted for Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg