Cricket
Titans hand Knights first defeat of the 4-Day series─── MORGAN PIEK 09:11 Fri, 22 Nov 2024
The Knights suffered their first defeat of the CSA 4-Day Series, losing to the Titans by 118 runs at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The Knights suffered their first defeat of the CSA 4-Day Series, losing to the Titans by 118 runs at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Chasing a target of 281 in their second innings for a second win of the campaign, the Knights’ top order collapsed, leaving them well short of the mark.
The Titans sealed their first win of the season with a full day to spare, a result that lifted them from seventh to the top of the table with 46.4 points. Despite the defeat, the Knights remain in second place with 44.18 points.
In their second innings, the Titans posted 167 before being bowled out. Neil Brand top-scored with 87 off 169 balls, while Jhedli van Briesies contributed 17. For the Knights, captain Dane Piedt impressed with figures of 4/24 from 12.5 overs, while Matthew Pollard claimed 4/50 in 20 overs.
Matthew Pollard. Photo: Morgan Piek
The Knights’ batting struggles continued in their second innings. They were in dire straits at 101/9 before a 62-run partnership between Patrick Botha and veteran seamer Malusi Siboto added some respectability. Botha remained unbeaten on 71, while Siboto scored 24 before being run out, as the Knights were dismissed for 163 in 47.4 overs.
Botha, who also scored 31 in the first innings, was a rare bright spot for the Knights. Lesego Senokwane managed 38 in the second innings, the only top-four batter to exceed single digits. In the first innings, Senokwane was also the top-scorer with 34.
For the Titans, Tsepo Ndwandwa was the standout bowler, taking 3/36 in 14 overs to add to his excellent first-innings figures of 5/33. The 21-year-old Matthew Boast delivered a strong all-round performance, claiming 3/56 in the second innings to complement his first-innings bowling figures of 2/33 and his 75 runs with the bat. Corbin Bosch also contributed with 2/15 in eight overs.
Aaron Phangiso. Photo: Morgan Piek
There will be some cause for concern for the Knights as the veteran Proteas spinner, Aaron Phangiso, didn’t bowl in the Titans second innings due to a side strain. They are already sweating over the fast bowler Johan van Dyk who missed the match after sustaining a back niggle in the recent home draw against the North West Dragons.
The Knights will return to the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, where they face Quinton Friend’s Dolphins, starting 29 November.
