The Knights were in deep trouble at stumps on Day 1, struggling at 65/5 and still trailing the Warriors by 106 runs after being bowled out for 171 in their first innings.

Wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete managed to add just seven runs to his overnight score before being dismissed by Beyers Swanepoel. It was the former Knights fast bowler’s fifth wicket of the innings.

Left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren contributed eleven runs before being forced to retire hurt, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to bat again.

Aaron Phangiso. Photo: Morgan Piek

Veteran spinner Aaron Phangiso played a defiant and valiant knock, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 142 balls to steer the Knights to 165/7 when play was called off early due to bad light. Knights captain Dane Piedt provided solid support with 12 off 85 balls.

Swanepoel now boasts outstanding figures of 5/29 in ten overs, leading the Warriors' charge with the ball. Play at St George’s Park is scheduled to resume at 10:00, with Phangiso and Malusi Siboto at the crease, and the visitors still trail by six runs.

Elsewhere, the North West Dragons were bowled out for 311 in their first innings against the Dolphins at Kingsmead in Durban.

Ruan de Swardt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Ruan de Swardt top-scored with 75, while wicketkeeper Rubin Hermann added 65. Captain Wihan Lubbe contributed 59, and Raynard van Tonder chipped in with 54. Prenelan Subrayen was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/91 in 41.3 overs, while Okuhle Cele claimed 3/49.

In reply, the Dolphins reached 244/7 at the close of play on Saturday (21/3), with Romashan Pillay unbeaten on 64. Sarel Erwee scored 55, while captain Keshav Maharaj added 39. Odirile Modimokoane returned figures of 2/39 in 16 overs, while another Dragons bowler took 2/34 in ten overs.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  dg