The Dolphins secured a five-wicket victory on what appeared to be a tricky pitch. As a result, they remain in fifth place on the log but move up to 15 points– just one point behind the Knights, Titans, and Warriors. The three teams are all level on 16 points, separated only by net run rate.

While the Knights are still in second place, they now face a tough task. They need to beat the Titans convincingly on Sunday and hope Western Province can pull off an upset in the Cape derby against log-leaders Boland, who are still in pole position to secure a home final. A win simply will be good enough to reach the playoffs, but the first prize is to ensure the final will be played in Bloemfontein.

Tristan Luus and Hanu Viljoen. Photo: Dolphins

After winning the toss in Durban, the Knights elected to bat first– a decision they failed to capitalise on as they struggled to 196 runs in their allotted 50 overs.

Left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren, who considers himself an all-rounder, top-scored for the visitors with 54 off 76 balls, while Dominic Hendricks contributed 33 and captain Dane Piedt chipped in with 27. Tristan Luus was the standout bowler for the Dolphins, finishing with 2/52 in his ten overs, while skipper Prenelan Subrayen was equally effective, taking 2/26.

In response, Jason Smith once again proved to be a thorn in the Knights’ side, scoring 71 off 96 balls. However, it was former Northern Cape Heat wicketkeeper Hanu Viljoen who steered the Dolphins to victory with a sublime 64 off 92 balls.

Aaron Phangiso was outstanding with the ball for the Knights, returning figures of 2/32 in ten overs, while Van Vuuren also impressed with 2/39.

Hanu Viljoen. Photo: Dolphins

Knights skipper Dane Piedt acknowledged the setback but said the team must regroup quickly ahead of Sunday’s must-win clash against the in-form Titans in Bloemfontein.

“Yes, it’s our last game at home, and we’ve been playing good cricket here. Now we’re up against a strong Titans team,” said Piedt. 

“It’s going to be a great contest. This is what we play for – it's a do-or-die match. Whoever wins qualifies, so it’s essentially a semi-final for us, and we’ll be up for it. We travel home on Saturday, and then we must put our best foot forward.”

Playing their last pool game at home is a big advantage for the Knights and there is no doubt that this game will be a humdinger.

Sunday’s crucial One-Day Cup clash between the Knights and the Titans at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein is set to get underway at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg