The Knights secured a commanding 157-run victory over a Protea-laden Western Province at the Mangaung Oval – marking their first home win of the season and their maiden victory in the One-Day Cup.

After winning the toss, the Knights opted to bat first but found themselves in early trouble when big-hitting opener Jacques Snyman was bowled for a golden duck off the very first ball by Dane Paterson. The Proteas seamer struck again in the third over, removing Lesego Senokwane for another duck.

Jacques Snyman bowled out with the first ball of the match . Photo: Morgan Piek

Gihahn Cloete (35) and Dominic Hendricks (20) steadied the innings somewhat with a 52-run partnership for the third wicket. Patrick Botha played a crucial knock of 43 off 44 balls, but the star of the show was once again all-rounder Dian Forrester. He smashed an unbeaten 113 off 99 deliveries, including four fours and five sixes – his second consecutive century following his 123* against the Warriors on Wednesday (19/2). Forrester now leads the tournament’s run charts with 257 runs at a staggering average of 257 after three innings.

Forrester found strong support in the latter stages of the innings from seamers Malusi Siboto (40 off 51 balls) and Tiaan van Vuuren, who blasted four massive sixes on his way to an unbeaten 41 off just 18 balls.

Thanks to these heroics, the Knights posted a formidable 311/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Kyle Simmonds was the pick of the Province bowlers, returning figures of 3/53, while Paterson claimed 2/52, having started with three consecutive maidens.

Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

In response, Western Province opener Eddie Moore made a brisk 18 off 21 balls before Van Vuuren made the breakthrough, with Senokwane taking the catch to dismiss him with the score at 29 in the eighth over.

The Proteas duo of David Bedingham (17) and Kyle Verreynne (18) posed a serious threat, but failed to build any substantial partnerships for the visitors.

All-rounder George Linde (37) and Simmonds (35) showed some fight in a late rearguard effort, but it wasn’t nearly enough to challenge the Knights. Western Province were eventually bundled out for just 154 in 34.4 overs.

Van Vuuren starred with the ball, taking 3/16 in 5.4 overs, while Siboto claimed 2/37 in his full quota of ten overs. Captain Dane Piedt chipped in with 2/53 from seven overs, while Aaron Phangiso and Joe van Dyk took a wicket each.

Dian Forrester. Photo: Morgan Piek

Piedt told OFM Sport the performance was near-perfect and believes this win will provide the momentum they’ve been searching for in the competition. "It was a perfect game of cricket, in my opinion." 

"Obviously, there are areas where we can improve, but I think coach JP Triegaardt played a masterstroke by sending Malusi in earlier. Having another left-handed batter in the middle helped nullify their two left-arm spinners, making it harder for them to bowl us out. That set the stage for Tiaan to come in and explode at the back end, with Dian still at the crease."

"The way we started was also crucial – Gihahn showed good energy at the top of the order. Losing a wicket on the first ball, and then another few overs later, really tested us, but the boys showed great courage to post such a formidable total."

“With the ball in hand, we were clinical – always striking at key moments and ultimately securing a bonus-point win. This result will definitely create the momentum we need for the rest of the competition."

The victory has lifted the Knights to third on the table for now, though that could change on Sunday when the North West Dragons take on the Lions at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

The Knights will be back in action on Wednesday (26/2) when they face Boland in Bloemfontein. This match at the Mangaung Oval is scheduled to start at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg